Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy 3:2-3 - Character & Traits

After noting that the overseer must be a one woman man, Paul noted that he must be “temperate.” This means to be alert, watchful, vigilant, or clear-headed. A leader must be one who thinks clearly. He must possess the inner strength to refrain from any excess that would dull his alertness. William Hendriksen: “His pleasures are not primarily those of the senses but of the soul.” Temperate men aren’t given to excess. The temperate man is level-headed and understands the times. He seeks, calmly, to lead his people through treacherous storms.