1 Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; 2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.

11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. 13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting. 15 For already some have turned away after Satan. 16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened, that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

19 Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 21 I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

24 Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. 25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.

1 Rebuke not an elder sharply, but exhort {him} as a father, younger {men} as brethren,2 elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.3 Honour widows who are really widows;4 but if any widow have children or descendants, let them learn first to be pious as regards their own house, and to render a return on their side to {their} parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.5 Now she who {is} a widow indeed, and is left alone, has put {her} hope in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.6 But she that lives in habits of self-indulgence is dead {while} living.7 And these things enjoin, that they may be irreproachable.8 But if any one does not provide for his own, and specially for those of {his} house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than the unbeliever.9 Let a widow be put upon the list, being of not less than sixty years, {having been} wife of one man,10 borne witness to in good works, if she have brought up children, if she have exercised hospitality, if she have washed saints' feet, if she have imparted relief to the distressed, if she have diligently followed every good work.11 But younger widows decline; for when they grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,12 being guilty, because they have cast off their first faith.13 And, at the same time, they learn also {to be} idle, going about to people's houses; and not only idle, but also gossipers and meddlers, speaking things not becoming.14 I will therefore that the younger marry, bear children, rule the house, give no occasion to the adversary in respect of reproach.15 For already some have turned aside after Satan.16 If any believing man or woman have widows, let them impart relief to them, and let not the assembly be charged, that it may impart relief to those {that are} widows indeed.17 Let the elders who take the lead {among the saints} well be esteemed worthy of double honour, specially those labouring in word and teaching;18 for the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle an ox that treadeth out corn, and, The workman {is} worthy of his hire.19 Against an elder receive not an accusation unless where there are two or three witnesses.20 Those that sin convict before all, that the rest also may have fear.21 I testify before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing by favour.22 Lay hands quickly on no man, nor partake in others' sins. Keep thyself pure.23 Drink no longer only water, but use a little wine on account of thy stomach and thy frequent illnesses.24 Of some men the sins are manifest beforehand, going before to judgment, and some also they follow after.25 In like manner good works also are manifest beforehand, and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.