1 Do not harshly rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger as brethren; 2 The older women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all chastity. 3 Honor widows that are really widows. 4 Now, if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to exercise piety toward their own house, and to requite their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now, she who is really a widow and desolate hopeth in God, and continueth in prayers and supplications night and day. 6 But she who spendeth her time in luxury is dead while she liveth. 7 And enjoin these things, that they may be blameless. 8 And if any person do not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9 Let a widow be chosen, not under sixty years of age, who hath been the wife of one man 10 Having attestation for good works, if she hath brought up children, if she hath been hospitable, if she hath washed the feet of the saints, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath been diligent in every good work. 11 But refuse younger widows; for, when they have begun to he wanton against Christ, they wish to be married; 12 Having condemnation, because they have renounced their first faith. 13 And at the same time, being idle, they learn to go about from house to house; and not only are idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I wish the younger (widows), therefore, to be married, to bear children, to take charge of the house, to give no occasion to the adversary, that he may have ground for slandering; 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 And if any believing man or believing woman hath widows, let him or her relieve them; and let not the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. 17 Let the elders [273] that rule well be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn, (Deuteronomy 25:4,) and, The laborer is worthy of his hire. (Matthew 10:10.) 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, unless by two or three witnesses. 20 Those that sin rebuke in presence of all, [274] that others also may fear. 21 I adjure thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without hastiness of judgment, doing nothing by turning to this side or that. 22 Lay not bands suddenly on any man, neither partake of other men's sins; keep thyself pure. 23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine on account of thy stomach, and of thy frequent ill health. 24 The sins of some men are visible beforehand, hastening to judgment; and in some they follow after. 25 In like manner, also, the good works are visible beforehand; and those that are otherwise cannot be concealed. Footnotes: [273] "Les prestres on aneiens." -- "The presbyters or elders." [274] "Repren publiquement." -- "Rebuke publicly." |
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