1 Timothy 5

1Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him as you would to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with complete purity.

3Give honor and support to widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to put their faith into practice by caring for their own family, and so repay their parents and grandparents, for this pleases God. 5The widow who is really in need, left all alone, has put her hope in God and keeps praying and asking for help night and day. 6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is alive. 7Give these instructions as well, so that no one may be open to blame. 8Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9No widow should be put on the list unless she is over sixty and has been faithful to her husband. 10She must be well known for good deeds: bringing up children, welcoming strangers, washing the feet of God’s people, helping those in trouble, and giving herself to every kind of good work. 11But do not put younger widows on the list. When their desires pull them away from Christ, they want to marry, 12and so they come under judgment for breaking their first pledge. 13Besides, they get into the habit of being idle, going from house to house; and not only idle, but gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not. 14So I want the younger widows to marry, have children and manage their homes, giving the enemy no opportunity to speak evil of us. 15Some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16If a believing woman has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened, so that the church can help the widows who are really in need.

17Elders who lead the church well should be thought worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves to be paid.” 19Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 20Those who keep on sinning should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will also take warning. 21In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels, I solemnly charge you to keep these instructions without prejudging anyone and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22Do not be in a hurry to lay hands on anyone, and do not share in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 23Stop drinking only water, and take a little wine for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24Some people’s sins are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; the sins of others show up later. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot stay hidden.