1 Timothy 3:6-8

The Voice

⁶ He mustn’t be someone recently converted; otherwise, he may become arrogant and fall into the devil’s condemnation. ⁷ He should also be respected for his character and known as an honorable person by people outside of the church so as to avoid the trips, traps, and pitfalls of the devil.

⁸ The same standards apply to deacons: they should be dignified. Double-talking hypocrites, heavy drinkers, and those greedy for ill-gotten gain should not be considered.