1 ¶ Do not scold an older man, but admonish him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

2 The older women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

3 ¶ Show consideration for widows who are all alone.

4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn their responsibility to their family, and return their parents kindness: for that is good and acceptable in the sight of God.

5 Now she who is truly without family, and all alone, having put her faith in God, keeps on praying and asking God for help night and day.

6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead while she lives.

7 Order them to do these things, so that they will not be criticized.

8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for his family members, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Do not let a widow be taken into the number unless she is over sixty years old, having been faithful to her husband,

10 Well spoken of for doing good; for bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the saints’ feet, helping those in distress, and devoting herself to good works.

11 But refuse the younger widows: for when their desires are in opposition to Christ, they will marry outside the faith;

12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

13 Besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, saying things that they should not be saying.

14 Therefore I want the younger widows to marry, bear children, guide the house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach.

15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, let her help them, and not let the church be burdened; so that it may relieve those widows who are truly alone in the world.

17 ¶ Let the elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

18 For the Bible says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his pay.

19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder, unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

20 Rebuke those who sin before all, that others also may fear.

21 I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without favoritism, and without partiality.

22 Do not be hasty in laying hands on any man, and do not share in the sins of others: keep yourself pure.

23 Do not continue drinking water alone, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some men are clearly evident, going before them to judgment; but the sins of others follow them.

25 Likewise the good works of some are evident beforehand; and even those that are not cannot be hidden.