3Honour widows which are true widows. 4If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to rule their own houses godly, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and acceptable before God. 5She that is a very widow, and friendless, putteth her trust in God, and continueth in supplication and prayer night and day: 6but she that liveth in pleasure, is dead even yet alive. 7And such things command, that they may be without fault. 8If there be any that provideth not for his own, and namely for them of his household, the same denieth the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

9Let no widow be chosen under threescore year old, and such a one as was the wife of one man, 10and well reported of in good works: if she have nourished children, if she have been liberal to strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in adversity, if she were continually given unto all manner good works. 11The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton, to the dishonour of Christ, then will they marry, 12having damnation, because they have despised their first faith. 13And also they learn to go from house to house idle, yea not idle only, but also trifling and busybodies, speaking things which are not comely. 14I will therefore that the younger women marry and bear children, and guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak evil. 15For many of them are all ready turned back, and are gone after Satan. 16And if any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them minister unto them, and let not the congregation be charged: that it may have sufficient for them that are widows in deed.

17The seniors that rule well are worthy of double honour, most specially they which labour in the word and in teaching. 18For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward. 19Against an senior receive none accusation: but under two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin rebuke openly that other may fear. 21I testify before God, and the Lord Iesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without hasty judgment, and do nothing partially. 22Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be part taker of other men's sins: Keep thyself pure.

23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine, for thy stomach's sake, and thine often diseases.

24Some men's sins are open beforehand and go before unto judgement: some men's sins follow after. 25Likewise also good works are manifest beforehand, and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.