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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that an overseer serves as God's steward, emphasizing that their leadership role isn't about personal ambition but about faithful administration of divine trust. This foundational role explains why such rigorous character qualifications are necessary – they reflect the integrity required for managing God's household.
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete, outlining the character and conduct expected of leaders. This passage builds on the previous verse by detailing specific negative qualities that disqualify a leader, emphasizing that they must be beyond reproach as God's administrators within the church. The list that follows provides concrete examples of the kind of integrity and self-control a leader must possess.
The Bible doesn't just tell leaders what not to do; it reveals what they are meant to be. What does it mean to be a 'steward of God'?
Paul calls the overseer (or bishop) a 'steward of God.' This isn't just a job title; it's a profound identity.
A Divine Trust
Think of a steward in an ancient household. They weren't the owner, but they were entrusted with managing the owner's valuable resources, property, and even people. They had authority, but it was always delegated authority, answerable to the master.
So, when Paul says an overseer is a 'steward of God,' he's saying this leader is entrusted by God to manage God's household—the Church. This means they are accountable to God for how they lead, care for, and dispense the spiritual riches of the church.
Accountability Shapes Character
This stewardship is the reason for the high moral and character standards. Because they manage God's affairs, they must be 'above reproach.' Their life must reflect the integrity of the Master they serve. It's not about being perfect, but about living a life that doesn't dishonor the One who appointed them.
Paul lists specific character flaws leaders must avoid. What's the common thread running through 'self-willed,' 'quick-tempered,' and 'greedy for gain'?
The list of negative traits Paul gives in Titus 1:7 isn't random; it paints a picture of someone whose 'self' is too prominent in their leadership.
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The Danger of Self-Will
'Self-willed' (Greek: ‘authadēs’) describes someone who is arrogant, stubborn, and primarily pleases themselves. They rely on their own judgment and opinions above all else, often disregarding others. This isn't just being confident; it's an unhealthy self-reliance that can lead to pushing others around and refusing counsel.
The Fire of Anger
'Quick-tempered' (Greek: ‘orgilos’) points to someone easily provoked to anger. This isn't about righteous indignation, but a volatile, irascible spirit that can erupt unexpectedly. It damages relationships and hinders wise leadership.
The Grasp of Greed
'Greedy for gain' (Greek: ‘aischrokerdēs’) highlights an unhealthy desire for money or profit, often through dishonest or shameful means. This can corrupt motives and lead to exploiting the very people the leader is meant to serve.
The Common Root
All these traits—self-will, quick temper, and greed—stem from an unhealthy focus on the leader's own desires, comfort, and status, rather than on God's will and the well-being of the flock.
Understand the original words
episkopos · Greek Noun
The office of an elder or pastor who is tasked with the spiritual oversight, protection, and guidance of the local congregation. It implies a position of responsibility and watchfulness.
oikonomos · Greek Noun
One entrusted with the management of a household or affairs that belong to another. In a biblical context, it refers to those whom God has entrusted with the care of His church.
authadēs · Greek Adjective
Characterized by self-importance, haughtiness, or a selfish refusal to be guided by others. It is the opposite of the humility required for Christian leadership.
paroinos · Greek Adjective
The state of being given to drinking wine or intoxicating beverages; a lack of sobriety that impairs judgment and testimony.
aischrokerdēs · Greek Adjective
A desire for wealth that is motivated by dishonest means or base impulses. It refers to the pursuit of financial gain at the expense of spiritual integrity.
The intense scrutiny on the character of church leaders in Titus 1:7 reflects the precarious early days of Christianity, facing internal challenges and external persecution, demanding leaders of exceptional integrity to guide and protect the flock.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Paul writes Pastoral Epistles
The Apostle Paul writes letters to his companions Timothy and Titus, offering guidance on church leadership and doctrine during a period of increasing organization and challenges within the early Christian movement.
Mid-1st century AD
Early Church Organization
As the church grew and spread, distinct leadership roles like 'overseer' (bishop) and 'elder' (presbyter) became more defined, though the terms were often used interchangeably in the earliest stages.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
The devastating fire in Rome led Emperor Nero to blame Christians, initiating the first major imperial persecution. This climate of suspicion and suffering underscored the need for strong, unimpeachable leaders in the churches.
Late 1st century AD
Development of Church Governance
The need for stable leadership and defense against internal and external threats solidified the requirements for bishops and elders, emphasizing character and faithfulness in a rapidly evolving spiritual landscape.
This passage lays out similar qualifications for a bishop, emphasizing the need for being above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and not a drunkard or violent, reinforcing the foundational character traits required for leadership.
1 Peter 4:10This verse highlights the concept of good stewardship in the spiritual realm, stating that believers should use their gifts as faithful stewards of God's grace, directly paralleling the idea of an overseer being a 'steward of God' in Titus 1:7.
Proverbs 16:18The verse 'Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall' directly supports the prohibition against arrogance (self-willed) in Titus 1:7, warning of the destructive consequences of such a character trait.
Matthew 5:22Jesus' teaching on anger, stating that anyone who is angry with a brother will be liable to judgment, underscores the seriousness of 'quick-tempered' behavior that Titus 1:7 warns against in church leadership.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2Paul describes apostles and other leaders as 'servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,' establishing the profound responsibility and trustworthiness required of those managing God's affairs, which is central to the 'steward of God' role mentioned in Titus 1:7.
pooleTitus 1:7: "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;"
For a bishop must be blameless; one that hath an oversight of the church of God, ought to be one whom none can truly tax with any scandalous sin. As the steward of God; as a chief servant in God’s house, intrusted to dispense his mysteries, 1 Corinthians 4:1 , one that should set an example to the under-servants in the house of God. Not se…
vincentTitus 1:7: "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;"
A bishop (τὸν ἐπίσκοπον)See on 1 Timothy 3:1; see on 1 Timothy 5:1. Rend. the bishop. It will be observed that the qualifications of the elders are fixed by those of the bishop. Appoint elders who shall be unaccused, etc. for the bishop must be unaccused, etc. The overseers must have the qualifications of approved presbyters.Steward of…
The verse highlights that an overseer serves as God's steward, emphasizing that their leadership role isn't about personal ambition but about faithful administration of divine trust. This foundational role explains why such rigorous character qualifications are necessary – they reflect the integrity required for managing God's household.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete, outlining the character and conduct expected of leaders. This passage builds on the previous verse by detailing specific negative qualities that disqualify a leader, emphasizing that they must be beyond reproach as God's administrators within the church. The list that follows provides concrete examples of the kind of integrity and self-control a leader must possess.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete, outlining the character and conduct expected of leaders. This passage builds on the previous verse by detailing specific negative qualities that disqualify a leader, emphasizing that they must be beyond reproach as God's administrators within the church. The list that follows provides concrete examples of the kind of integrity and self-control a leader must possess.
"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," — The verse highlights that an overseer serves as God's steward, emphasizing that their leadership role isn't about personal ambition but about faithful administration of divine trust. This foundationa…
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Last reviewed October 2026