[1] Don`t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men
as brothers; [2] the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all
purity. [3] Honor widows who are widows indeed. [4] But if any widow has
children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their
own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight
of God. [5] Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set
on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. [6] But she
who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. [7] Also command
these things, that they may be without reproach. [8] But if anyone doesn`t
provide for his own, and specially his own household, he has denied the
faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. [9] Let none be enrolled as a widow
under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, [10] well reported
of for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has used
hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints` feet, if she has
relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
[11] But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against
Christ, they desire to marry; [12] having condemnation, because they have
rejected their first pledge. [13] Besides, they also learn to be idle,
going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and
busybodies, saying things which they ought not. [14] I desire therefore
that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give
no occasion to the adversary for reviling. [15] For already some have
turned aside after Satan. [16] If any man or woman who believes has widows,
let them relieve them, and don`t let the assembly be burdened; that it
might relieve those who are widows indeed. [17] Let the elders who rule
well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the
word and in teaching. [18] For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle
the ox when he treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of his
wages." [19] Don`t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the
word of two or three witnesses. [20] Those who sin, reprove in the sight of
all, that the rest also may be in fear. [21] I charge you in the sight of
God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that you observe these things
without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. [22] Lay hands hastily on
no one, neither be a participant in other men`s sins. Keep yourself pure.
[23] Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your
stomach`s sake and your frequent infirmities. [24] Some men`s sins are
evident, going before to judgment, and some men also they follow after.
[25] In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those
that are otherwise can`t be hidden.
