Reproof and Respect

1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers: 2the elderly women as mothers; the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Honoring True Widows

3Honor widows who are truly widows. 4But if any widow has children, or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own house, and to give benefactions to their ancestors: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5She who is truly a widow, and left alone, hopes in God, and abides in prayers and supplication night and day; 6but she who is wanton is dead though living. 7Indeed command these things, in order that they may be blameless. 8But if any one provides not for his own, and especially those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

9Let a widow not be taken into account under three score years, the wife of one husband, 10being witness in beautiful works; if she has brought up children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the feet of saints, if she has succored those in tribulation, if she has followed in every good work. 11But reject the younger widows: for when they may wax wanton against Christ, they wish to marry; 12having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith: 13and at the same time they learn to be idle, going about houses; and not only idle, but also loquacious even busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14Therefore I wish the younger women to marry, to raise up children, to rule the house, to give no occasion to the adversary for the sake of reproach; 15for already certain ones have turned away after Satan. 16If any faithful woman has widows, let her support them, and let not the church be burdened; in order that she may give her attention to those who are truly widows.

Honoring Elders

17Let the elders who stand before the people beautifully, be considered worthy of double remuneration, especially those laboring in the word and teaching. 18For the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The laborer is worthy of his hire. 19Bring not an accusation against an elder, except before two or three witnesses. 20Convict those who sin before all, in order that the rest may also have fear.

A Charge to Timothy

21I testify before God, and Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you must guard these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands quickly on no one, and be not partaker of other men's sins.

23Keep yourself pure. No longer drink water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and on account of your frequent sickness.

24The sins of some men are manifest beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they also follow after: 25likewise truly are good works manifested beforehand; and those which are otherwise are not able to be hidden.