1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brethren; 2The elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or grand children, let these learn first to shew piety at home, 4and to requite their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed and desolate, trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7And enjoin these things, that they may be blameless. 8But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. 9Let not a widow be chosen under threescore years old, 10having been the wife of one husband, Well reported of for good works, if she hath brought up children, if she hath lodged strangers, if she hath washed the feet of the saints, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows refuse; for when they are waxed wanton against Christ, they want to marry; 12Having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith. 13And withal they learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers and busy bodies, speaking what they ought not. 14I counsel therefore the younger women to marry, bear children, guide the family, give no occasion of reproach to the adversary. 15For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16If any believing man or woman hath widows, let them relieve them; and let not the church be burthened, that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 17Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and teaching. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19Against an elder receive not an accusation, unless by two or three witnesses. 20Those that sin, rebuke before all, that the rest may fear. 21I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither partake of other mens sins; keep thyself pure. 23Drink water no longer, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities. 24Some mens sins are manifest before-hand, going before to judgment: and some they follow after. 25In like manner the good works also of some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.