Reproof and Respect

1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men, as brethren: 2the elder women, as mothers: younger, as sisters, in all purity.

Honoring True Widows

3Honor widows who are widows indeed. 4But, if any widow has children or grand-children, let them learn first to show regard to their own family, and to make returns to their parents; for this is acceptable before God. 5Now she that is really a widow, and left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers, night and day. 6But she who lives in pleasure, though living, has died. 7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But, if any one provides not for his own, and especially for his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let a widow be enrolled, when she has become not less than sixty years old, having been a wife of one man, 10noted for good works; if she nourished children, if she used hospitality, if she washed the saints' feet, if she relieved those in tribulation, if she diligently followed every good work. 11But younger widows refuse; for, when they grow wanton against Christ, they wish to marry, 12having condemnation, because they set aside their first faith. 13And, at the same time, they learn to be idle, going around from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I desire, therefore, that younger widows marry, bear children, rule a house-hold, give no occasion to the adversary for reproach; 15for already some turned aside after Satan. 16If any believing woman has widows, let her relieve them, and let not the assembly be burdened, in order that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Honoring Elders

17Let elders who preside 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 while threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19Against an elder receive not an accusation, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin reprove before all, that the rest also may have fear.

A Charge to Timothy

21I solemnly charge you before God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.

23Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent infirmities.

24Some men's sins are openly manifest, going before to judgment; and some men also they follow after. 25In like manner also the works that are good are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise can not be hid.