1Do not sharply rebuke an aged man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men, as brethren;

2the elder women, as mothers; the younger, as sisters, with all purity.

3Honor as widows those that are widows indeed.

4But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety to their own family, and to requite their parents; for this is acceptable before God.

5Now she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, hath set her hope on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day;

6but she that giveth herself up to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

7These things also enjoin, that they may be blameless.

8But if any one provideth not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let a widow be put on the list when not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband,

10well 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.

11But younger widows refuse; for when they become wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

12falling into condemnation, because they have cast off their first faith;

13and withal they learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

15For some have already turned aside after Satan.

16If any man or woman that is a believer have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened, that it may relieve those that are widows indeed.

17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor; especially they who labor in the word and in teaching.

18For the Scripture saith, “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain”; and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

19Against an elder receive not an accusation without two or three witnesses.

20Those that sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.

21I charge thee before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing with partiality.

22Lay hands hastily on no one, neither share in other men's sins. Keep thyself pure.

23No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities.

24Some men's sins are openly manifest, going before them to judgment; and some men they follow after.

25In like manner also the good works of some are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.