1 Timothy 5:13-25 ▼

13 And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house. And not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no opportunity for reviling,

15 for some have already turned aside after Satan.

16 If any believing woman has widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

17 The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor at preaching the word and teaching.

18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES.”

19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

20 Those who continue in sin, reprove in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful.

21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His elect angels, to observe these instructions without bias, doing nothing in partiality.

22 Do not lay hands upon anyone hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

23 No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

24 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.

25 So also good works are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.