1 D o not speak sharp words to an older man. Talk with him as if he were a father. Talk to younger men as brothers.

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

2 T alk to older women as mothers. Talk to younger women as sisters, keeping yourself pure.

the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

3 H elp women whose husbands have died.

Honour widows that are widows indeed.

4 I f a woman whose husband has died has children or grandchildren, they are the ones to care for her. In that way, they can pay back to their parents the kindness that has been shown to them. God is pleased when this is done.

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

5 W omen whose husbands have died are alone in this world. Their trust is in the Lord. They pray day and night.

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

6 B ut the one who lives only for the joy she can receive from this world is the same as dead even if she is alive.

But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

7 T each these things so they will do what is right.

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

8 A nyone who does not take care of his family and those in his house has turned away from the faith. He is worse than a person who has never put his trust in Christ.

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

9 A woman over sixty years old whose husband has died may receive help from the church. To receive this help, she must have been the wife of one man.

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

10 S he must be known for doing good things for people and for being a good mother. She must be known for taking strangers into her home and for washing the feet of Christians. She must be known for helping those who suffer and for showing kindness.

well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

11 D o not write the names of younger women whose husbands have died together with the names of others who need help. They will turn away from Christ because of wanting to get married again.

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

12 T hen they would be thought of as guilty of breaking their first promise.

having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

13 T hey will waste their time. They will go from house to house carrying stories. They will find fault with people and say things they should not talk about.

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

14 I think it is best for younger women whose husbands have died to get married. They should have children and care for their own homes. Then no one can speak against them.

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

15 S ome of these women have already turned away to follow Satan.

For some are already turned aside after Satan.

16 I f you have any women whose husbands have died in your family, you must care for them. The church should not have to help them. The church can help women whose husbands have died who are all alone in this world and have no one else to help them. Teaching About Leaders

If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

17 L eaders who do their work well should be given twice as much pay, and for sure, those who work hard preaching and teaching.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18 T he Holy Writings say, “When a cow is walking on the grain to break it open, do not stop it from eating some”, and “A person who works should be paid.”

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

19 D o not listen to what someone says against a church leader unless two or three persons say the same thing.

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

20 S how those who keep on sinning where they are wrong in front of the whole church. Then others will be afraid of sinning.

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

21 I tell you from my heart that you must follow these rules without deciding before the truth is known. God and Jesus Christ and the chosen angels know what I am saying. Show favors to no one.

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

22 D o not be in a hurry about choosing a church leader. You do not want to have any part in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

23 D o not drink water only. Use a little wine because of your stomach and because you are sick so often.

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

24 T he sins of some men can be seen. Their sins go before them and make them guilty. The sins of other men will be seen later.

Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

25 I n the same way, good works are easy to see now. But some that are not easy to be seen cannot always be hid.

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.