5:1 Rebuke not an elder sharply, but exhort [him] as a father, younger [men] as brethren,

5:2 elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

5:3 Honour widows who are really widows;

5:4 but if any widow have children or descendants, let them learn first to be pious as regards their own house, and to render a return on their side to [their] parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

5:5 Now she who [is] a widow indeed, and is left alone, has put [her] hope in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

5:6 But she that lives in habits of self-indulgence is dead [while] living.

5:7 And these things enjoin, that they may be irreproachable.

5:8 But if any one does not provide for his own, and specially for those of [his] house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than the unbeliever.

5:9 Let a widow be put upon the list, being of not less than sixty years, [having been] wife of one man,

5:10 borne witness to in good works, if she have brought up children, if she have exercised hospitality, if she have washed saints` feet, if she have imparted relief to the distressed, if she have diligently followed every good work.

5:11 But younger widows decline; for when they grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,

5:12 being guilty, because they have cast off their first faith.

5:13 And, at the same time, they learn also [to be] idle, going about to people`s houses; and not only idle, but also gossipers and meddlers, speaking things not becoming.

5:14 I will therefore that the younger marry, bear children, rule the house, give no occasion to the adversary in respect of reproach.

5:15 For already some have turned aside after Satan.

5:16 If any believing man or woman have widows, let them impart relief to them, and let not the assembly be charged, that it may impart relief to those [that are] widows indeed.

5:17 Let the elders who take the lead [among the saints] well be esteemed worthy of double honour, specially those labouring in word and teaching;

5:18 for the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle an ox that treadeth out corn, and, The workman [is] worthy of his hire.

5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation unless where there are two or three witnesses.

5:20 Those that sin convict before all, that the rest also may have fear.

5:21 I testify before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing by favour.

5:22 Lay hands quickly on no man, nor partake in others` sins. Keep thyself pure.

5:23 Drink no longer only water, but use a little wine on account of thy stomach and thy frequent illnesses.

5:24 Of some men the sins are manifest beforehand, going before to judgment, and some also they follow after.