1 Timothy 3:3 3not addicted to wine or violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money,
Verse 3 shifts to negative qualities that an overseer should not have. Not addicted to wine, literally, sitting beside the wine, as if on the back porch getting drunk. Every culture has its intoxicants that should be avoided by Christians. Losing control of one’s mind opens a person to many other problems, especially in relationships with others.
Not being violent (plētēn) is important in all types of human relationships. The most significant types of relationships for most people are in families. Violent speech from anger can lead to violent physical abuse.
The answer to violence is being gentle (epieikē). Gentleness should be evident in treating others with love, respect, and kindness. When our first response to a situation would normally be anger or even violence, as followers of Jesus, we respond with gentleness.
Another danger in interacting with others is being quarrelsome (amachon). People often get hurt when there is a verbal spat. There are healthier and better ways to resolve differences than getting into a verbal fight. Instead of getting into a quarrel, we can be gentle, forgiving, and patient with people.
Being a lover of money comes in the pursuit of wealth or material good. Everyone is tempted to love money. Those who have a lot of it envy those who have it. Those who have it want more. It is challenging to be satisfied with what we have. The way to do this is through gratitude for the blessings God has given us.
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