AV 17
Sober
“An overseer, then,
should be … sober, sensible” (1Tim 3:2)
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 Apostolic Writings (New Testament).
All three instances are in the epistles 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 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, emphasis mine)
©2021
No comments:
Post a Comment