1 Timothy Chapter 5
1 Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort⁺ him as a father. Exhort the younger men as family⁺,
2 the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with all purity.
3 Honor widows who truly⁺ are widows.
4 But if any widow has children or nephews, let them learn to show piety at home first, and to reciprocate⁺ care for their parents. For that is good and acceptable before God.
5 Now one who is truly⁺ a widow and desolate trusts in God and continues in supplications~ and prayers night and day.
6 But one who lives in pleasure~ is dead while she lives.
7 Give instruction⁺ in these matters so that all may be blameless.
8 But if any do not provide for their own, and especially for those of their own house, then they have denied the faith and are worse than an infidel~.
9 Do not let a widow be taken into the number for assistance who is less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
10 and who is well reported for her good works: For example: If she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.
11 But refuse the younger widows. For when they have begun to grow⁺ wanton~ against Christ, they will want to marry.
12 In this, they will receive judgment⁺, because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And with all this, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house. Not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things that they should not. Proverbs 11:13
14 Therefore, I will that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, and give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any man or woman who is a believer has widows in their family, let them relieve them and not let the assembly⁺ be burdened⁺ so that it may relieve those who are truly⁺ widows.
17 Let the elders who govern⁺ well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine.
18 For the Scriptures declare: You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And: The laborer is worthy of his reward. Deuteronomy 25:4
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder unless⁺ it is from two or three witnesses.
20 Rebuke those who sin, before everyone⁺, so that others may also have fear.
21 I charge you before our God and Lord Jesus Christ and the elect~ angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
22 Do not lay hands too quickly⁺ on anyone, nor be a partaker in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Do not drink polluted water, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent⁺ infirmities~.
24 The sins of some men are clearly revealed⁺ before they go to judgment, and some follow after.
25 Likewise also, the good works of some are clearly evident⁺, but those that are otherwise cannot be hid.