Not given to wine. — Drunkenness is scarcely alluded to here. It is rather a warning against choosing for the sacred office one given to frequenting noisy banquets, where wild and imprudent words are often spoken.
No striker. — Probably something more than merely brawling and fighting may here be included. Not only must the pattern minister of the Lord never smite his brother believer, but he must also never wound his soul with cutting, unkind words.
Not greedy of filthy lucre. — The Greek word thus translated does not occur in the older MSS. in this place.
But patient. — God’s minister must be considerate toward the prejudices of others, forbearing, and gentle.
Not a brawler. — Better rendered, not contentious. He must not be easily vexed; but must exercise a steady command over his temper, avoiding all wordy strife.
Not covetous. — Literally, not a lover of money. The disinterested minister, who cares nothing for money for money’s sake, would ever stand out in all societies a strangely attractive figure.