1 Timothy 3:10

Proved. Or, “tested.” The fitness of any prospective deacon must not be taken for granted. Paul urges the safe procedure of first investigating all phases of a man’s life before installing him in the responsible office of a deacon, even though this office is lesser in rank than that of the bishop (see vs. 2-7). Paul here specifically condemns the proposal sometimes made — that assignment to church office be made as an encouragement to those who have been careless, or weak in the faith, in the hope that such recognition may stimulate zeal and piety.