Qualifications for Elders

5 The reason I left yoʋ in Crete was for yoʋ to put in order what remained to be done and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed yoʋ. 6 An elder must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not rebellious and cannot be accused of debauchery. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sensible, just, holy, and self-controlled, 9 holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others with sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.

10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision faction. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining entire households by teaching what they ought not to teach, for the sake of sordid gain. 12 One of their very own prophets said,

“Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons.”

13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, 14 not paying any attention to Jewish myths or the commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their works they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and have proven themselves to be unqualified for any good work.