﻿1 Timothy.
Chapter 5.
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 
Honor widows who are truly widows. 
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness toward their own household and repay their forebears, for this is acceptable before God. 
Now the one who is truly a widow and left alone has set her hope on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 
But the one who lives in self-indulgence is dead even while she lives. 
Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 
Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband, 
well attested for good works: if she has raised children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work. 
But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their desires turn them against Christ, they want to marry, 
incurring judgment because they have set aside their first commitment. 
At the same time they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, speaking of things they should not. 
Therefore I want younger women to marry, bear children, manage the household, and give the adversary no opportunity for slander, 
for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 
If any believing woman has widows in her care, let her help them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may help those who are truly widows. 
Let the elders who lead well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching, 
for Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is threshing,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 
Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 
In the presence of everyone, rebuke those who sin, so that the rest may also have fear. 
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels to keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing from favoritism. 
Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 
Some people's sins are evident, going before them to judgment; those of others follow after. 
Likewise good works are also evident, and those that are not evident cannot remain hidden. 
