1Do not rebuke censurecriticize an elder, but appeal to him as a father, the younger men as brothers. 2Treat the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with much honor. 3Honor widows that are truly widows. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show righteousness towards their own family, and to repay their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in supplications and prayers day and night. 6But she that gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. 7Command these things that they may be without reproach. 8If any do not provide for his own, and specially his own household, he denies the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9Let a widow be put on the list if she is under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10having a good reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11Refuse younger widows: for when their sexual impulses come between them and Christ, they desire to marry. 12They have judgment, because they have rejected their first pledge. 13They also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossipers and busybodies, speaking things that they should not. 14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling. 15Some have already turned aside after Satan. 16If any woman that believes has dependant widows, she must assist them and not let the congregation be burdened. Then it can assist those who are actually widows. 17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18For the scripture said: »You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages.« 19Do not offer an accusation against an elder, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. 20Reprove the sinner in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 21I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these principles without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22Do not lay your hands hastily on any man, neither be a partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure. 23Do not drink water any longer, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your many infirmities. 24Some men's sins are known publicly, leading to judgment; and some men’s sin becomes known later. 25In like manner some good works are known publicly, and other works will be known, for they cannot be kept hidden.