1 Timothy 3:5

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

1 Timothy 3:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:5

For if a man know not how to rule his own house
Which is an affair of less importance, and more easy to be done; not requiring so much resolution, prudence, care, and thought:

how shall he take care of the church of God?
preside over it, rule in it, provide for it, and see that everything is in its proper place, and done according to the will of God. The argument is from the lesser to the greater.

1 Timothy 3:5 In-Context

3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 one who ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all dignity.

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 He must not be a novice in the faith, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good reputation with those who are outsiders, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.