1Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3Honor widows who are real widows. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice their religion in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she who is a real widow, and who has been left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband, 10and she must be well known for her good deeds, as one who has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, relieved those in distress, and devoted herself to doing good in every way. 11But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to marry, 12thus bringing condemnation, because they have set aside their first pledge. 13Besides, they learn to be idle, going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. 14So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their homes, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach. 15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are real widows. 17The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the scripture says, »You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,« and, »The laborer deserves his wages.« 19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning. 21I charge you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. 24The sins of some men are obvious, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins appear later. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.