7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
7 Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.
7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:7
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.