Bread from the Basket: Your Daily Slice

Av 17

Sober

“An overseer, then, should be … sober, sensible” (1Tim 3:2 ISR)

The word ‘sober’ is not limited to just meaning a lack of intoxication; it reveals a much deeper exploration of a person’s character. The individual who is described as ‘sober’ is one who is “quiet or sedate in demeanor, marked by seriousness and gravity, and showing self-control.”[1] ‘Sensible’ is defined as “having, using or showing good sense or sound judgement.”[2] These two words, as far as I can see, walk together: if one is a person who is ‘sensible’ and in possession of self-control , then it would stand to reason that the same individual would also be one that is sober, sedate, and serious in demeanor.

The Greek word that has been translated as ‘sober’ is the word nēphalios (Strong’s G3524), and is only found three times in the entire Brit Chadashah (New Testament). All three instances are in the writings of Paul, and all have to do with the qualifications of those in any leadership capacity. Nēphalios is defined as being temperate, abstaining from intoxicating beverages, either in entirety, or in severe moderation, all of which is desirable in the one in leadership.

Sōphrōn (Strong’s G4998) is the word that has been translated as ‘sensible’, and we again find the word temperate in its definition. Sōphrōn also means of a sound mind, and self-control; we can see that the definitions of the English words closely parallel that of the Greek words.

All of the qualities listed in the above paragraphs are vital to the one who is seeking a position of leadership. If we are to honor and esteem our Creator in all that we say and do, then the seriousness and sobriety, the sensibility and sound judgement of a leader are attributes that others should want to emulate. Being ‘blameless’ when it comes to intoxicating drink, or frivolous, feather-brained and flippant behavior, should always be the goal for the one who desires the standing of a leader.

“Likewise urge the young men to be sensible. SHOW YOURSELF TO THEM an example of good works in all matters. In teaching show uncorruptness, seriousness, soundness of speech beyond reproach, in order that the opponent is put to shame, having no evil word to say about you.” (Tit 2:6-8 ISR, emphasis mine)