51 Do not sharply rebuke an older man , but rather appeal to him as a father , to the younger men as brothers , 2 the older women as mothers , and the younger women as sisters , in all purity .
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed ; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren , they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents ; for this is acceptable in the sight of God . 5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone , has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day . 6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives . 7 Prescribe these things as well , so that they may be above reproach . 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own , and especially for those of his household , he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever . 9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man , 10 having a reputation for good works ; and if she has brought up children , if she has shown hospitality to strangers , if she has washed the saints' feet , if she has assisted those in distress , and if she has devoted herself to every good work . 11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ , they want to get married , 12 thus incurring condemnation , because they have set aside their previous pledge . 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle , as they go around from house to house ; and not merely idle , but also gossips and busybodies , talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore , I want younger widows to get married , bear children , keep house , and give the enemy no occasion for reproach ; 15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan . 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows , she must assist them and the church must not be burdened , so that it may assist those who are widows indeed .
17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor , especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching . 18 For the Scripture says , " YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING ," and " The laborer is worthy of his wages ." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except e on the basis of two or three witnesses . 20 Those who continue in sin , rebuke in the presence of all , so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels , to maintain these principles without bias , doing nothing in a spirit of partiality . 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others ; keep yourself free from sin . 23 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments . 24 The sins of some men are quite evident , going before them to judgment ; for others , their sins follow after . 25 Likewise also , deeds that are good are quite evident , and those which are otherwise cannot e be concealed .
