1 D o not sharply censure or rebuke an older man, but entreat and plead with him as a father. Treat younger men like brothers;

2 o lder women like mothers younger women like sisters, in all purity.

3 t reat with great consideration and give aid to those who are truly widowed (solitary and without support).

4 B ut if a widow has children or grandchildren, see to it that these are first made to understand that it is their religious duty at home, and make return to their parents or grandparents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

5 N ow who is a real widow and is left entirely alone and desolate has fixed her hope on God and perseveres in supplications and prayers night and day,

6 W hereas she who lives in pleasure and self-gratification is dead even while she lives.

7 C harge thus, so that they may be without reproach and blameless.

8 I f anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 L et no one be put on the roll of widows who is under sixty years of age or who has been the wife of more than one man;

10 A nd she must have a reputation for good deeds, as one who has brought up children, who has practiced hospitality to strangers, washed the feet of the saints, helped to relieve the distressed, devoted herself diligently to doing good in every way.

11 B ut refuse younger widows, for when they become restive and their natural desires grow strong, they withdraw themselves against Christ wish to marry.

12 A nd so they incur condemnation for having set aside and slighted their previous pledge.

13 M oreover, as they go about from house to house, they learn to be idlers, and not only idlers, but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say and talking of things they should not mention.

14 S o I would have younger marry, bear children, guide the household, not give opponents of the faith occasion for slander or reproach.

15 F or already some have turned aside after Satan.

16 I f any believing woman or believing man has widows, let him relieve them; let the church not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are truly widows (those who are all alone and are dependent).

17 L et the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor '> financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching.

18 F or the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain, and again, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

19 L isten to no accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

20 A s for those who are guilty and persist in sin, rebuke and admonish them in the presence of all, so that the rest may be warned and stand in wholesome awe and fear.

21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the chosen angels that you guard and keep without personal prejudice or favor, doing nothing from partiality.

22 D o not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands, nor share or participate in another man’s sins; keep yourself pure.

23 D rink water no longer exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 T he sins of some men are conspicuous (openly evident to all eyes), going before them to the judgment and proclaiming their sentence in advance; but the sins of others appear later.

25 S o also, good deeds are evident and conspicuous, and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.