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Verse
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Titus 1:7
ESV For an overseer, as God 's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
NIV Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
NASB For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money,
CSB As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless: not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money,
NLT A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
KJV For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
NKJV For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

What does Titus 1:7 mean?

Verse 7 calls elders an "overseer" and "God's steward." These local church leaders functioned similarly to leaders in local Jewish synagogues. They directed the people of a local area according to God's principles. This required being "above reproach," which is also stated in verse 6. In addition, five other traits are required.

First is humility, rather than arrogance.

Second, those who became easily angered were not fit to lead others.

Third, an elder could not be known as a "drunkard." Before refrigeration, almost everyone drank a certain amount of alcohol. Drunkenness, however, was unacceptable for a church leader. Those who become drunk are either demonstrating poor judgment, dependence on something other than Christ, or a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. All of these are incompatible with a Christian elder.

Fourth, a church leader could not be "violent." The matching list in 1 Timothy 3:3 adds the idea of gentleness, indicating someone sensitive to the needs of others.

Fifth, an elder was not to be "greedy," or serving in order to make money (1 Peter 5:2).
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