3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
3 not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry.
3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:3
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
(Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7)
If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Matthew 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.