1 Timothy 5
Honor Widows
5aDo not sharply rebuke an bolder man, but rather plead with him as a father, to cthe younger men as brothers, 2the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3Honor widows who are awidows indeed, 4but if any widow has children or grandchildren, athey must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to 1make some return to their parents; for this is bacceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she who is a awidow indeed and who has been left alone, bhas fixed her hope on God and continues in cpetitions and prayers night and day. 6But she who alives in self-indulgence is bdead even while she lives. 7aAnd command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8But 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.
9A 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, 10having a reputation for agood works; 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 affliction, if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel asensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous 1pledge. 13And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house. And not merely idle, but also agossips and bbusybodies, talking about cthings not proper to mention. 14Therefore, I want younger widows to get amarried, bear children, bkeep house, and cgive the enemy no opportunity for reviling, 15for some ahave already turned aside after bSatan. 16If any believing woman ahas widows, she must bassist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are cwidows indeed.
Honoring the Elders
17aThe elders who blead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who clabor 1at preaching the word and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “aYou shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “bThe laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not receive an accusation against an aelder except on the basis of btwo or three witnesses. 20Those who continue in sin, areprove in the presence of all, bso that the rest also will be fearful. 21aI solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His elect angels, to observe these instructions without bias, doing nothing in partiality. 22aDo not lay hands upon anyone hastily and 1thereby share bresponsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
23No longer drink water only, but ause a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.