Sordid gain (KJV - filthy lucre) (147) (aischraischrokerdos from aischros = indecent, dishonorable + kerdos = gain) means a fondness for dishonest gain. It is gain procured in a base and avaricious manner and which would produce shame if uncovered. This does not refer exclusively to material gain such as the demand of a salary which gives the impression that an elder serves primarily from his desire for selfish purposes rather than his desire to be of service. It may also refer to gaining popularity by adulterating the gospel to attract more people to the congregation, and showing special favors and consideration to the rich and the influential in order to gain personal advantage and profit. The KJV renders aischrokerdos with the graphic phrase "filthy lucre" where "Lucre" is from a Latin word meaning "gain," and only becomes filthy when it corrupts the sincerity of Christian ministry. The pastor is not to commercialize his ministry. Vincent writes that... For filthy lucre From aischros, disgraceful, and kerdos, gain. Only here in New Testament. The word filthy is intended to convey the idea which lies in aischros, base or dishonorable; becoming such if it is made the motive of the minister’s service. Compare 2Cor 12:14. (Greek Word Studies) The shepherd must serve the Lord with a willing heart because he loves Christ and the flock, and not simply because he has a job to do. He must never serve for “sordid gain”, whether it be money, prestige, power, or promotion. False teachers are usually motivated by greed and desire for money, and use their power and position to rob people of their own wealth. A desire for filthy lucre must never be a motive for Shepherds. (cf. 1Ti 3:3; 6:9, 10, 11; 2Ti 2:4; Titus1:7; 2Pe 2:3; also Je 6:13; 8:10; Mic 3:11; Mal 1:10). This does not prohibit the elder from receiving a fair return for honest toil. Peter, like Paul, accepted the ordinance of Christ that “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (Lk 10:7; 1Ti 5:18). But Peter is warning against taking up the work because of a desire for material gain, “it being a shameful thing for a shepherd to feed the sheep out of love to the fleece.” To enter the ministry simply because it offers a respectable and intellectually stimulating way of gaining a livelihood is to prostitute that sacred work. This warning also includes the temptation to use the work of the ministry to gain personal popularity or social influence. When a love for gain reigns, the shepherds are prone to become mere hirelings, feeding themselves at the expense of the flock. BUT WITH EARGERNESS: alla prothumos: (Acts 21:13; Ro 1:15; Titus 2:14; 3:1) Eagerness (4290) (prothumos from pró = forward + thumos = mind, temperament, passion) means predisposed, ready, willing, eager (moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest; implies ardor and enthusiasm), prompt. It means inclined or favorably disposed in mind. Shepherds who serve with false motives care only for themselves and devour the flock (Ezekiel 34:2,3). True shepherds are characterized by being ready and willing and favorably inclined to accept the responsibility. Prothumos is extremely strong and expresses enthusiasm and devoted zeal to the task assigned. The Shepherd must be eager to work (a ready mind), not listless or lazy. It is the same word Paul used in Ro1:15 (note)—“I am so eager to preach the Gospel” (NIV). It means a willingness to serve because of a readiness and an eagerness within the heart. This is the difference between a true shepherd and a hireling: a hireling works because he is paid for it, but a shepherd works because he loves the sheep and has a heart devoted to them. Read Acts 20:17-27, Acts 20:28-38 (See Acts 20:17-27 Commentary; Acts 20:28-38 Commentary) for a description of the heart and ministry of a true shepherd. 1Peter 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. (NASB: Lockman) Greek: med' os katakurieuontes (PAPMPN) ton kleron alla tupoi ginomenoi (PMPMPN) tou poimniou Amplified:Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). (Amplified Bible - Lockman) KJV: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. NLT: Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example. (NLT - Tyndale House) Phillips: You should aim not at being "little tin gods" but as examples of Christian living in the eyes of the flock committed to your charge. (New Testament in Modern English) Wuest: nor yet as lording it in a high-handed manner over the portions of the flock assigned to you, but as becoming patterns for the flock. (Eerdmans) Young's Literal: neither as exercising lordship over the heritages, but patterns becoming of the flock, NOR YET AS LORDING IT OVER: med os katakurieuontes (PAPMPN): (Ezek 34:4; Mt 20:25,26; 23:8, 9, 10; Mark 10:42, 43, 44, 45; Lk 22:24, 25, 26, 27; 1Co 3:5,9; 2Co 1:24; 4:5; 3Jn 1:9,10) (1Pe 2:9; Dt 32:9; Ps 33:12; 74:2; Mic 7:14; Acts 20:28) Phillips paraphrase is boldly pithy... You should aim not at being "little tin gods" (NT in Modern English) The Amplified version also gives a clear picture of the attitude that is not to be manifest by God's shepherds over their sheep... Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge (Amplified Bible - Lockman)