1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. 3Honor widows who are truly widows. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn to show profound respect for their own household first, and to pay back recompense to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5But the widow who is one truly, and is left alone, has put her hope in God and continues in her petitions and prayers night and day. 6But the one who lives for sensual pleasure is dead even though she lives. 7And command these things, in order that they may be irreproachable. 8But if someone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially the members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9Let a widow be put on the list if she is not less than sixty years old, the wife of one husband, 10being well-attested by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has helped those who are oppressed, if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse younger widows, for whenever their physical desires lead them away from Christ, they want to marry, 12thus incurring condemnation because they have broken their former pledge. 13And at the same time also, going around from house to house, they learn to be idle, and not only idle, but also gossipy and busybodies, saying the things that are not necessary. 14Therefore I want younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage a household, to give the adversary no opportunity for reproach. 15For already some have turned away and followed after Satan. 16If any believing woman has widows, she must help them, and the church must not be burdened, in order that it may help those who are truly widows. 17The elders who lead well must be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor by speaking and teaching. 18For the scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox while it is threshing,” and “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20Reprove those who sin in the presence of all, in order that the rest also may experience fear. 21I testify solemnly before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality. 22Lay hands on no one hastily, and do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.) 24The sins of some people are evident, preceding them to judgment, but for some also they follow after them. 25Likewise also good works are evident, and those considered otherwise are not able to be hidden.