Reproof and Respect
1Do not chide a senior, but exhorthim as a father; and youngermen as brethren:2the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Honoring True Widows
3Honour widows who are widows indeed.4But if any widow have children or grandchildren, letthese learn first to shew piety at home, and to make suitable returns totheir parents: for this is becoming, and acceptable in the sight of God.5Now she, that is really a widow and desolate, hopeth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.6But she that indulgeth to luxury, is dead while she liveth.7Thesethings give in charge, that they may be blameless.8But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he hath renounced the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
9Let not a widow be chosen into the number under sixty years old,10having been the wife of one man: in repute for good actions, if she have educated children, if she have entertained strangers, if she have washed the feet of saints, if she have relieved the afflicted, and diligently followed every good work.11But the younger widows refuse: for when they grow wanton against Christ, they willneeds marry:12and aretherefore to be condemned, because they violate their first faith.13And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: andare not only idle, but tatlers also and busy-bodies, talking ofthings unbecomingthem.14I would therefore have the youngerwidows marry, bear children, manage houshold affairs,and give no occasion to the adversary for reproach.15For some are already turned aside after Satan.16And if any believer haverelations widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve those that are indeed widowsand desolate.
Honoring Elders
17Let the elders, who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those that labour in preaching and teaching.18For the scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn:" and,"The workmanis worthy of his hire."19Receive not an accusation against an elder, unless from two or three witnesses.20Those that offend reprove before all, that others also may fear.
A Charge to Timothy
21I chargethee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou keep to thesethings without preferenceof persons, doing nothing with partiality.22Lay hands on noman precipitately, and be nothereby a partaker in the sins of others. Keep thyself pure.
23Drink no longer wateronly, but use a little winewith it, for the sake of thy stomach and thy frequent infirmities.
24The sins of some men are notorious, leadingas it were totheir condemnation; and somemore artful they follow after.25So also the good worksof some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
