Guidelines for Reproof

1Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers; 2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Honoring Widows

(Ruth 1:1-5)

3Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

9Let not a widow be taken into the number under three score years old, having been the wife of one man. 10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13And with they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Honoring Elders

17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture said, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. 19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

A Charge to Timothy

21I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.

23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your often infirmities.

24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.