1 Timothy 5

Instructions for the Church's Care of Widows

¹Rebuke not an elder , but exhort him as a father ; the younger men as brethren: ²the elder women as mothers ; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

Instructions for the Church's Care of Widows

³Honor widows that are widows indeed . ⁴But if any widow hath children or grandchildren , let them learn first to show piety towards their own family , and to requite their parents : for this is acceptable in the sight of God . ⁵Now she that is a widow indeed , and desolate , hath her hope set on God , and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day . ⁶But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth . ⁷These things also command , that they may be without reproach. ⁸But if any provideth not for his own , and specially his own household , he hath denied the faith , and is worse than an unbeliever. ⁹Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old , having been the wife of one man , ¹⁰well reported of for good works ; if she hath brought up children , if she hath used hospitality to strangers , if she hath washed the saints’ feet , if she hath relieved the afflicted , if she hath diligently followed every good work . ¹¹But younger widows refuse : for when they have waxed wanton against Christ , they desire to marry ; ¹²having condemnation , because they have rejected their first pledge . ¹³And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house ; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies , speaking things which they ought not . ¹⁴I desire therefore that the younger widows marry , bear children , rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: ¹⁵for already some are turned aside after Satan . ¹⁶If any woman that believeth hath widows , let her relieve them , and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed .

Elders and Their Honor

¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor , especially those who labor in the word and in teaching . ¹⁸For the scripture saith , Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And , The laborer is worthy of his hire .

Personal Conduct and Accountability

¹⁹Against an elder receive not an accusation , except at the mouth of two or three witnesses . ²⁰Them that sin reprove in the sight of all , that the rest also may be in fear . ²¹I charge thee in the sight of God , and Christ Jesus , and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice , doing nothing by partiality . ²²Lay hands hastily on no man , neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. ²³Be no longer a drinker of water , but use a little wine for thy stomach ’s sake and thine often infirmities. ²⁴Some men ’s sins are evident , going before unto judgment ; and some men also they follow after . ²⁵In like manner also there are good works that are evident ; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid .