1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV) — Their wives likewise must be dignified, not
slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
NOTE: First of all,
the word "their" is not in the Greek. Secondly, the word for wives
can be translated as "women" or "wife," and is more often
translated as women in the NT. The following verse seems to go back to the Deacon
as a man, and so that may be the reason to translate this verse as wife. Still,
there is a good argument that the basic qualifications for a woman as a deacon
also include being dignified, but differ on sober-minded versus sober, and
faithful versus holding the faith with a clear conscience. The two differ more
on the requirement for the woman not to slander and the man not to be greedy.
Generalizing, usually not a good idea, this makes quite a bit of sense when
meditated upon. The remaining verses return to the man because they include
certain aspects of spiritual leadership. So what is the application, the key
difference for the woman is the using her tongue in a way that hurts others --
slander. For the man, the main differences are two, the motivation must not be
greed and he is required to be the spiritual lead in his family.
PRAYER: Father,
protect me from greed, and also protect me from enabling bad behavior through
giving. Give me wisdom to see your will and leading. I want to be a spiritual
man and a godly example to all.
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