King James Version

1 Do not rebuke an elder, but encourage him as a father; younger men as brothers; 2 Older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor the widows who are truly widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let her learn first to show piety at home and to repay her parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 But the true widow, being alone, has hoped in God and continues in prayers and supplications night and day. 6 But the prodigal woman has died. 7 And command these things, so that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 A widow should be put on the list if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man. 10 In good works testified, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has assisted those in trouble, if she has followed after every good work. 11 But reject younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry. 12 Having judgment because they rejected the first faith. 13 At the same time, the idle learn, going around the houses, not only the idle but also the talkative and curious, speaking what is not right. 14 I therefore wish to marry a younger woman, to bear children, to manage a household, and to give no occasion for slander to the opposing party. 15 For some have already turned away from Satan. 16 If anyone has a faithful widow, let him provide for her, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may provide for those who are truly widows. 17 The elders who lead well are to be held worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching. 18 For the scripture says: "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The laborer is worthy of his hire." 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder, except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Rebuke those who are sinning in front of everyone, so that the rest may have fear. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels, to keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing by favoritism. 22 Do not quickly lay hands on anyone, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 Do not drink water anymore, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent infirmities. 24 The sins of some people are clearly evident, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others follow after. 25 Likewise, the good works are evident, and those that are otherwise cannot remain hidden.