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 exhort him as a father; 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, in all purity.

3 H elp women whose husbands have died.

Honor 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 hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of 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, hath her hope set on 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 giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

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

These things also command, that they may be without reproach.

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 provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

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 none be enrolled as a widow 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 hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints' feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath 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 younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

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

having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

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 also to be idle, going 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 desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

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

for already some are 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 woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it mat 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 honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

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 when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

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, except at the mouth of 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 reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in 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 in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, 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 hastily 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.

Be no longer a drinker of 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 evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also 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.

In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.