1Do not sharply criticize an older man, but appeal to him as you would a father. Treat younger men as brothers,
2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with complete purity.
3Show respect to widows who are truly in need.
4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show devotion to their own family and to repay their parents and grandparents, for this pleases God.
5A true widow, who is alone, places her hope in God and prays day and night.
6But a widow who lives for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she is alive.
7Also, make sure to give these commands so that no one can find fault with them.
8And if anyone doesn't provide for their own relatives, especially their immediate family, they have turned away from the faith and are worse than someone who doesn't believe.
9No woman should be added to the list of widows unless she is at least sixty years old and has been married only once.
10She must be known for her good deeds, like raising children, being hospitable to strangers, serving other believers, helping those in trouble, and always doing good.
11But do not include younger widows, because when their desires pull them away from Christ, they will want to remarry.
12This brings judgment on them because they have broken their first commitment.
13Besides, they also learn to be lazy, going from house to house. And not just lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn't.
14So I want younger widows to marry, have children, manage their homes, and give no opportunity for the enemy to speak poorly of them.
15Because some have already been led astray by Satan.
16If any believing man or woman has widows in their family, they should help them so that the church is not burdened, and can then help those who are truly widows in need.
17Elders who lead well deserve double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
18For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his pay."
19Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.
20Rebuke those who continue in sin publicly, so that others may also be afraid to sin.
21I command you in the presence of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, to follow these instructions without prejudice, and do nothing out of favoritism.
22Do not be too quick to lay hands on anyone, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24The sins of some people are obvious and lead to judgment, while the sins of others become known later.
25Good deeds are obvious, and those that are not obvious still cannot be hidden.