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Honor Widows

^1 (C1)Do not sharply rebuke an ^(C2)older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to ^(C3)the younger men as brothers,² the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

³ Honor widows who are ^(C1)widows indeed;⁴ but if any widow has children or grandchildren, ^(C1)they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to ^(F1)make some return to their parents; for this is ^(C2)acceptable in the sight of God.⁵ Now she who is a ^(C1)widow indeed and who has been left alone, ^(C2)has fixed her hope on God and continues in ^(C3)entreaties and prayers night and day.⁶ But she who ^(C1)gives herself to wanton pleasure is ^(C2)dead even while she lives.^7 (F1)(C1)Prescribe these things 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 ^(C1)denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ A widow is to be ^(C1)put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been ^(C2)the wife of one man,¹⁰ having a reputation for ^(C1)good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has ^(C2)shown hospitality to strangers, if she ^(C3)has washed the ^(F1)saints' feet, if she has ^(C4)assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.¹¹ But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel ^(C1)sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,¹² thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous ^(F1)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 ^(C1)gossips and ^(C2)busybodies, talking about ^(C3)things not proper to mention.¹⁴ Therefore, I want younger widows to get ^(C1)married, bear children, ^(C2)keep house, and ^(C3)give the enemy no occasion for reproach;¹⁵ for some ^(C1)have already turned aside to follow ^(C2)Satan.¹⁶ If any woman who is a believer ^(C1)has dependent widows, she must ^(C2)assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are ^(C3)widows indeed.

Concerning Elders

^17 (C1)The elders who ^(C2)rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who ^(C3)work hard ^(F1)at preaching and teaching.¹⁸ For the Scripture says, "^(C1)YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "^(C2)The laborer is worthy of his wages."¹⁹ Do not receive an accusation against an ^(C1)elder except on the basis of ^(C2)two or three witnesses.²⁰ Those who continue in sin, ^(C1)rebuke in the presence of all, ^(C2)so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.^21 (C1)I solemnly charge 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 (C1)Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and ^(F1)thereby share ^(C2)responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself ^(F2)free from sin.

²³ No longer drink water exclusively, but ^(C1)use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

²⁴ The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins ^(C1)follow after.²⁵ Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and ^(C1)those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.