¹ Do not rebuke an elderly man, but entreat him as a father; the younger men, as brothers:

² the elder women, as mothers; the younger women, as sisters, with all purity.

³ Honor widows that are widows indeed.

⁴ But if any widow has children or grand-children, let them learn first to be dutiful to their own family, and to requite their parents; for that is good and acceptable in the sight of God.

⁵ But she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

⁶ But she that lives voluptuously, is dead while she lives.

⁷ These things also give in charge, that they may be blameless.

⁸ And if any one provides not for his own, and especially for those of his own house hold, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ Let a widow be put on the list, if she is not under sixty years, having been the wife of one man,

¹⁰ having a good reputation for good works; if she has borne children, if she has entertained strangers, if she has washed the saints feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

¹¹ But the younger widows reject: for when they become wanton against the Christ, they desire to marry,

¹² incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their former obligation.

¹³ At the same time, also, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which are not proper.

¹⁴ I will, therefore, that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, and thus give no occasion to the adversaries to speak reproachfully.

¹⁵ For some have already turned aside after Satan.

¹⁶ If any believing man or woman has widows, let him or her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

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

¹⁸ For the scripture says: You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

¹⁹ Receive not an accusation against an old man, unless before two or three witnesses.

²⁰ Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.

²¹ I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, and that you do nothing by partiality.

²² Lay hands hastily on no man, nor be partaker of other men’s sins: keep yourself pure.

²³ Drink water no longer, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake, and your frequent infirmities.

²⁴ Some men’s sins are manifest beforehand, going before to judgment. Some persons, however, they follow after.

²⁵ Likewise, also, the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and those which are otherwise can not be concealed.