1 Timothy 5

1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father, and to younger men as brothers,

2older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3Honor widows who are truly widows.

4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to repay their forebears, for this is acceptable before God.

5She who is truly a widow, and is left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.

6But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

7And command these things, so that they may be above reproach.

8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let a widow be enrolled only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband,

10well attested for good works: if she has raised children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has helped those under affliction, if she has followed every good work.

11But refuse younger widows, for when they become sensual against the Messiah, they desire to marry,

12incurring judgment because they have set aside their former faith.

13At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they ought not to say.

14Therefore I want younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage their households, and to give the opponent no opportunity for slander.

15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.

16If any believing woman has widows, let her provide for them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may provide for those who are truly widows.

17Let the elders who lead well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching.

18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is threshing,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

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

20Rebuke those who are sinning before everyone, so that the rest also may have fear.

21I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and Messiah Jesus and the chosen angels, that you keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

22Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24The sins of some people are obvious, going before them to judgment, but for others they follow after.

25Likewise also, good works are evident, and those that are otherwise cannot remain hidden.