Guidelines for Reproof
1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, 2 the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, in all purity.
Honoring Widows
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
5 Now she who is truly a widow, and is desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is at least 60 years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has brought relief to the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.
11 But refuse younger widows, for when their passions lead them away from Christ, and they desire to marry, 12 rejecting their first pledge, they incur condemnation. 13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house, and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not say.
14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the household, and give no occasion for the adversary to insult. 15 For already some have turned away after Satan. 16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them give them relief, and do not let the church be burdened, that it might give relief to those who are truly widows.
Honoring Elders
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18 For the Scripture says,
“You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” a
And,
“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” b
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
A Charge to Timothy
21 I command you in the sight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no one. Do not be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 23 Do not restrict yourself any longer, to drinking only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some become evident later. 25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and there are those that are not obvious, but they cannot remain hidden.
a Deuteronomy 25:4
b Luke 10:7