17 Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you+ and be submissive,+ for they are keeping watch over you* as those who will render an account,+ so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.

2 Shepherd the flock of God+ under your care, serving as overseers,* not under compulsion, but willingly before God;+ not for love of dishonest gain,+ but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance,+ but becoming examples to the flock.+