1 Timothy 5
1Do not harshly rebuke 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 absolute moral purity.
3Honor widows who are truly widows—those who are genuinely alone. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice their devotion toward their own household and to make a return of care to their parents and grandparents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5The woman who is truly a widow and left entirely alone has fixed her hope on God and persists in petitions and prayers night and day. 6But the woman who lives for self-indulgent pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Command these things as well, so that they may be beyond reproach. 8If anyone does not provide for his own people, and especially for the members of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9A widow should be enrolled on the official list only if she is at least sixty years old, has been a "one-man woman," 10and is well-attested for good works: if she has raised children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has assisted those in distress, if she has devoted herself to every kind of good work. 11But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their physical desires pull them away from Christ, they want to marry, 12incurring judgment because they have set aside their initial pledge of faithfulness. 13At the same time, they also learn to be idle, wandering from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they should not. 14Therefore, I want younger widows to marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity for slander. 15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her assist them so that the church is not burdened, and can assist those who are truly widows.
17Elders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor to the point of exhaustion in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 20Rebuke those who persist in sin in the presence of everyone, so that the rest may also stand in awe. 21I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing out of partiality. 22Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, and do not share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24The sins of some people are obvious, preceding them to judgment, but for others, their sins follow behind. 25In the same way, good works are also obvious; and even those that are otherwise cannot remain hidden.