1 Timothy 5

Instructions for the Church

1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are truly widows.4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,t10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.15 For some have already strayed after Satan.16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

1 Timothy 5

1 Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.3 Honor widows that are widows indeed.4 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 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 But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.7 These things also command, that they may be without reproach.8 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 Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,10 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 But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.13 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 desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:15 for already some are turned aside after Satan.16 If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.18 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 Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.20 Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.21 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 Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.23 Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.24 Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.25 In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.