Reproof and Respect

1Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; younger men as brothers; 2older women as mothers; younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Honoring True Widows
(Ruth 1:1–5)

3Honor widows who are truly widows. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to be devout first to their own household and to give back recompense to parents, for this is acceptable† before God.

5Now she who is truly a widow and having been left alone has hoped on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she given to luxury has died while living.

7Also command these things, so that they may be above reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let a widow be enrolled, being not less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, 10being testified to in good works: if she brought up children, if she entertained strangers, if she washed the feet of the saints, if she gave relief to those being oppressed, if she followed after every good work.

11But refuse younger widows; for when they might grow wanton against Christ, they want to marry, 12having judgment because they set aside the first faith. 13And at the same time also they learn to be idle, going around the houses, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things not being proper.

14Therefore I intend for younger ones to marry, to bear children, to manage their households, to give the one opposing no occasion in favor of reviling. 15For already some turned aside after Satan.

16If any believing woman has widows, let her give relief† to them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may give relief to those truly widows.

Honoring Elders

17Let the elders presiding well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in the word and the teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain,”† and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”†

19Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except upon two or three witnesses. 20But† those sinning, rebuke before all, so that the rest may have fear also.

A Charge to Timothy

21I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus† and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

22Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

23No longer drink water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments.

24The sins of some men are evident, going before them to judgment; but some also they follow after. 25Likewise also, the good works are evident, and even those being otherwise are not able to be hidden.

Footnotes:

4 GOC and TR good and acceptable
16 BYZ and TR If any believing man or woman has dependent widows, let them give relief
18 Deuteronomy 25:4
18 Luke 10:7; see also Leviticus 19:13 and Deuteronomy 24:14–15.
20 BYZ and TR do not include But
21 BYZ and TR and the Lord Jesus Christ