1Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, and younger men as brothers. 2Exhort older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with all purity.

3Show honor to widows who are indeed widows by providing for their needs; 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to fulfill their obligation to their own household, and to render recompense to their parents. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she who is a widow indeed, and who is alone in the world, has her hope in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But the one who is living for selfgratification is dead while she lives. 7Now these things command that they may be blameless. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own needy relatives--and especially members of his household--he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let a widow be put on the list for assistance if she is not less than sixty years of age, if she has been the wife of one husband, 10If she has a good report for her good works, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has given relief to those who were afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse to put the younger widows on the list, for when sensuous impulses draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry, 12Bringing judgment upon themselves because they have set aside their first faith. 13And besides this, they also learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and they not only become idle, but they also become talebearers and busybodies, speaking things that ought not be spoken. 14Therefore, I wish the younger women to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, and to give no occasion to the adversary to bring a reproach; 15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If any believer, man or woman, has relatives who are widows, let him or her impart relief to them, and do not let the church bear the burden in order that it may impart relief to those widows who are truly alone in the world.

17Let the ordained elders who are leading well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who are laboring in the Word and doctrine. 18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out the corn," and, "The workman is worthy of his hire." 19Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20Those elders who sin should be corrected in the presence of all in order that the others also may fear.

21I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, and let nothing be done by partiality. 22Do not be quick to lay hands on any man; neither take part in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

24Some men's sins are open to public view, going before to judgment; and some men's sins follow after. 25In a similar manner also, the good works of some are openly seen; and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.