| 1 | Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: |
| 2 | the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. |
| 3 | Honor widows that are widows indeed. |
| 4 | But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. |
| 5 | Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. |
| 6 | But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth. |
| 7 | These things also command, that they may be without reproach. |
| 8 | But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. |
| 9 | Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, [having been] the wife of one man, |
| 10 | well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints` feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work. |
| 11 | But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; |
| 12 | having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. |
| 13 | And withal they learn also [to be] idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. |
| 14 | I desire therefore that the younger [widows] marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: |
| 15 | for already some are turned aside after Satan. |
| 16 | If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it mat relieve them that are widows indeed. |
| 17 | Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. |
| 18 | For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. |
| 19 | Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at [the mouth of] two or three witnesses. |
| 20 | Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. |
| 21 | I charge [thee] in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. |
| 22 | Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men`s sins: keep thyself pure. |
| 23 | Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach`s sake and thine often infirmities. |
| 24 | Some men`s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after. |
| 25 | In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid. |
