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.

Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

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

the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3 H elp women whose husbands have died.

Honor widows who 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 has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to 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 who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties 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 who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.

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

Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above 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 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 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.

A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty 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.

having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to 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 refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,

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

thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous 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.

At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

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.

Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach;

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

for some have already turned aside to follow 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 who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. Concerning Elders

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.

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and 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 says, “ You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “ The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

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

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis 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.

Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

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 solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of 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.

Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.

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

No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

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.

The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins 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, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.