Guidelines for Reproof

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

Support for 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 the own household and to give recompense to parents; for this is pleasing before God.

5Now she who is a widow indeed, and being left alone, has hope in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she living in self-indulgence is dead while living.

7Also command these things, so that they should be above reproach. 8Now if anyone does not provide for the 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 borne witness to in good works: if she has brought up children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has imparted relief to those being oppressed, if she has followed after every good work.

11But refuse younger widows; for when they might grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12incurring judgment, because they have cast off the first faith. 13And at the same time also, going about house to house, they learn to be idle; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things not being proper.

14Therefore I want the younger ones to marry, to bear children, to manage their households, to give the one opposing no occasion on account of reproach. 15For already some have turned aside after Satan.

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

Honoring Elders

17Let the elders ruling 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,”a and, “The workman is worthy of his wages.”b

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

A Charge to Timothy

21I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels that you should keep these things apart from prejudice, doing nothing out of partiality.

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

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

24The sins of some men are manifest, going before them to judgment; but of some also they appear later. 25Likewise also, the good works are evident, and even those being otherwise are unable to be concealed.