1 Timothy 5:3-25

3Honor widows who are actually 1widows; 4but if any widow has children or grandchildren, 2they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is 3acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she who is actually a 4widow and has been left alone 5has set her hope on God, and she continues in 6requests and prayers night and day. 6But she who 7indulges herself in luxury is 8dead, even while she lives. 7910Give these instructions 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 11denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9A widow is to be 12put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been 13the wife of one man, 10having a reputation for 14good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has 15shown hospitality to strangers, if she 16has washed the 17saints’ feet, if she has 18assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel 19physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12thereby incurring condemnation, because they have 20ignored 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 they become 21gossips and 22busybodies, talking about 23things not proper to mention. 14Therefore, I want younger widows to get 24married, have children, 25manage their households, and 26give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15for some 27have already turned away to follow 28Satan. 16If any woman who is a believer 29has dependent widows, she must 30assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually 31widows.

1732The elders who 33lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who 34work hard 35at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “36You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “37The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not accept an accusation against an 38elder except on the basis of 39two or three witnesses. 20Those who continue in sin, 40rebuke in the presence of all, 41so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 2142I solemnly exhort 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. 2243Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and 44thereby share 45responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself 46free from sin.

23Do not go on drinking only water, but 47use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

24The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins 48follow after. 25Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and 49those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.