^aDo not sharply rebuke an ^bolder man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to ^cthe younger men as brothers, 2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are actually ^awidows; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, ^athey must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is ^bacceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is actually a ^awidow and has been left alone ^bhas set her hope on God, and she continues in ^crequests and prayers night and day. 6 But she who ^aindulges herself in luxury is ^bdead, even while she lives. 7 ^1aGive these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has ^adenied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 A widow is to be ^aput on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been ^bthe wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for ^agood works; and if she has brought up children, if she has ^bshown hospitality to strangers, if she ^chas washed the ¹saints’ feet, if she has ^dassisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel ^aphysical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ¹ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become ^agossips and ^bbusybodies, talking about ^cthings not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get ^amarried, have children, ^bmanage their households, and ^cgive the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some ^ahave already turned away to follow ^bSatan. 16 If any woman who is a believer ^ahas dependent widows, she must ^bassist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually ^cwidows.

17 ^aThe elders who ^blead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who ^cwork hard ¹at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “^aYOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “^bThe laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an ^aelder except on the basis of ^btwo or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, ^arebuke in the presence of all, ^bso that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 ^aI solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 ^aDo not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and ¹thereby share ^bresponsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself ²free from sin.

23 Do not go on drinking only water, but ^ause a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins ^afollow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and ^athose which are otherwise cannot be concealed.