1 Timothy 3:5

5 (If a man does not know how to rule his own household, how shall he have the Church of God given into his care?)

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 a hard drinker nor given to blows; not selfish or quarrelsome or covetous;

4 but ruling his own household wisely and well, with children kept under control with true dignity.

5 (If a man does not know how to rule his own household, how shall he have the Church of God given into his care?)

6 He ought not to be a new convert, for fear he should be blinded with pride and come under the same condemnation as the Devil.

7 It is needful also that he bear a good character with people outside the Church, lest he fall into reproach or a snare of the Devil.