1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 "如果有人渴慕监督的职分, 他就是爱慕善工。"这话是可信的。

2 所以作监督的, 必须无可指摘, 只作一个妻子的丈夫, 有节制, 自律, 庄重, 乐意接待客旅, 善于教导,

3 不好酒, 不打人, 只要温和, 与人无争, 不贪财,

4 好好管理自己的家, 使儿女凡事敬重顺服。

5 (人若不知道怎样管理自己的家, 怎能照料 神的教会呢?)

6 初信主的不可作监督, 恐怕他骄傲, 就落在魔鬼所受的刑罚里。

7 作监督的也必须在教外有好声誉, 免得他被人毁谤, 就落在魔鬼的陷阱里。