Reproof and Respect

1Do not rebuke an elderly man, but entreat him as a father; the younger men, as brothers: 2the elder women, as mothers; the younger women, as sisters, with all purity.

Honoring True Widows

3Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow has children or grand-children, let them learn first to be dutiful to their own family, and to requite their parents; for that is good and acceptable in the sight of God. 5But she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she that lives voluptuously, is dead while she lives. 7These things also give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8And if any one provides not for his own, and especially for those of his own house hold, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let a widow be put on the list, if she is not under sixty years, having been the wife of one man, 10having a good reputation for good works; if she has borne children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the saints feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows reject: for when they become wanton against the Christ, they desire to marry, 12incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their former obligation. 13At the same time, also, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which are not proper. 14I will, therefore, that the younger widows marry, bear children, man age the house, and thus give no occasion to the adversaries to speak reproachfully. 15For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16If any believing man or woman has widows, let him or her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

Honoring Elders

17Let the elders who rule well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching. 18For the scripture says: You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his hire. 19Receive not an accusation against an old man, unless before two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.

A Charge to Timothy

21I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, and that you do nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands hastily on no man, nor be partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.

23Drink water no longer, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake, and your frequent infirmities.

24Some men's sins are manifest beforehand, going before to judgment. Some persons, however, they follow after. 25Like wise, also, the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and those which are otherwise can not be concealed.