1Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but [rather] appeal to [him] as a father, [to] the younger men as brothers, 2the older women as mothers, [and] the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3Honor widows who are widows indeed; 4but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety 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 widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. 6But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, 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 man, 10having a reputation for good works; [and] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, [and] if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse [to put] younger widows [on the list], for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12[thus] incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13At the same time they also learn [to be] idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper [to mention]. 14Therefore, I want younger [widows] to get married, bear children, keep house, [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 the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

Concerning Elders

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 THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of 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 will be fearful [of sinning]. 21I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of [His] chosen angels, to maintain these [principles] without bias, doing nothing in a [spirit of] partiality. 22Do not lay hands upon anyone [too] hastily and thereby share [responsibility for] the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.

23No longer drink water [exclusively], but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

24The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their [sins] follow after. 25Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.