1 Timothy

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as brothers;

The older women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Honour widows who are widows indeed.

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for that is good and acceptable before God.

Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Let not a widow be enrolled under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,

Well reported of for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

But the younger widows refuse; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they will marry;

Having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.

And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossips also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

I desire therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

For some have already turned aside after Satan.

If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.

For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain." And, "The labourer is worthy of his reward."

Against an elder receive not an accusation, except before two or three witnesses.

Those who sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a partaker of other men’s sins; keep yourself pure.

Drink no longer water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

Some men’s sins are evident beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.