1 Timothy 5

1 Do not severely rebuke an old man, but beseech him as a father, and the young men as brothers;

2 the old women as mothers, and the young as sisters, with all chastity.

3 Honor widows; who are really widows:

4 but if any widow have children, or grandchildren, let these learn first piously to take care of their own family, and then to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

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

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

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

8 For if any one provide not for his own, and especially those of his own family, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband,

10 eminent for good works--that she has brought up children, that she has lodged strangers, that she has washed the saints' feet, that she has relieved the afflicted, that she has diligently followed every good work.

11 But the younger widows reject; for when they become impatient of the restraint of Christ, they will wish to marry,

12 incurring blame for having violated their former engagement.

13 And, at the same time, also, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers, also, and meddlers, speaking things which they ought not.

14 I would, therefore, have young widows to marry, to bear children, to govern the house, to give no occasion to the adversary for reproach;

15 for some are already turned aside after the adversary.

16 If any believing man or woman have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the congregation be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

17 Let the seniors who preside well, be counted worthy of double honor; especially those who labor in word and teaching.

18 For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out corn"; and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

19 Against a senior receive not an accusation, unless by two or three witnesses.

20 Those who sin, rebuke before all, that the others, also, may be afraid.

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

22 Impose hands hastily on no one, neither partake of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.

23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake, and your frequent infirmities.

24 The sins of some men are very manifest, going before to condemnation; but some, indeed, they follow after.

25 In like manner, also, the good works of some are very manifest, and those that are otherwise, can not lie hid.