1 Timothy 5
5
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.
3Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to shew 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 faith. 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 none 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.
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and in teaching. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his hire. 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 judgement; 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.
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maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society
1 Timothy 5
5
How to act towards others
1Don't correct an older man. Encourage him, as you would your own father. Treat younger men as you would your own brother, 2and treat older women as you would your own mother. Show the same respect to younger women that you would to your sister.
3Take care of any widow who is really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do. 5A widow who is really in need is one who doesn't have any relatives. She has faith in God, and she keeps praying to him night and day, asking for his help.
6A widow who thinks only about having a good time is already dead, even though she is still alive.
7Tell all this to everyone, so they will do the right thing. 8People who don't take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn't have faith in the Lord.
9For a widow to be put on the list of widows, she must be at least sixty years old, and she must have been faithful in marriage.#5.9 been faithful in marriage: Or “been the wife of only one husband” or “never been divorced”. 10She must also be well known for doing all sorts of good things, such as raising children, giving food to strangers, welcoming God's people into her home,#5.10 welcoming God's people into her home: The Greek text has “washing the feet of God's people”. In New Testament times most people either went barefoot or wore sandals, and a host would often wash the feet of special guests. helping people in need, and always making herself useful.
11Don't put young widows on the list. They may later have a strong desire to get married. Then they will turn away from Christ 12and become guilty of breaking their promise to him. 13Besides, they will become lazy and get into the habit of going from house to house. Next, they will start gossiping and become busybodies, talking about things that are none of their business.
14I would prefer that young widows get married, have children, and look after their families. Then the enemy won't have any reason to say insulting things about us. 15Look what's already happened to some of the young widows! They have turned away to follow Satan.
16If a woman who is a follower has any widows in her family, she#5.16 woman…she: Some manuscripts have “man or woman…that person”. should help them. This will keep the church from having that burden, and then the church can help widows who are really in need.
Church leaders
17Church leaders#5.17 leaders: Or “elders” or “presbyters” or “priests”. who do their job well deserve to be paid#5.17 paid: Or “honoured” or “respected”. twice as much, especially if they work hard at preaching and teaching. 18It is just as the Scriptures say, “Don't muzzle an ox when you are using it to grind grain.” You also know the saying, “Workers are worth their pay.”#Dt 25.4; Mt 10.10; Lk 10.7.
19Don't listen to any charge against a church leader, unless at least two or three people bring the same charges.#Dt 17.6; 19.15. 20But if any of the leaders should keep on sinning, they must be corrected in front of the whole group, as a warning to everyone else.
21In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and their chosen angels, I order you to follow my instructions! Be fair with everyone, and don't have any favourites.
22Don't be too quick to accept people into the service of the Lord#5.22 to accept people into the service of the Lord: Or “to forgive people”. by placing your hands on them.
Don't sin because others do, but stay close to God.
23Stop drinking only water. Take a little wine to help your stomach trouble and the other illnesses you always have.
24Some people get caught in their sins straight away, even before the time of judgment. But other people's sins don't show up until later. 25It is the same with good deeds. Some are easily seen, but none of them can be hidden.
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