1 Timothy 5
5
1An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father: young men, as brethren:
2Old women, as mothers: young women, as sisters, in all chastity.
3Honour widows, that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow have children, or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house, and to make a return of duty to her parents: for this is acceptable before God.
5But she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God, and continue in supplications and prayers night and day.
6For she that liveth in pleasures, is dead while she is living.
7And this give in charge, that they may be blameless.
8But if any man have not care of his own, and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
9Let a widow be chosen of no less than threescore years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband.
10Having testimony for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she have diligently followed every good work.
11But the younger widows avoid. For when they have grown wanton in Christ, they will marry:
12Having damnation, because they have made void their first faith.
13And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: and are not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14I will therefore that the younger should marry, bear children, be mistresses of families, give no occasion to the adversary to speak evil.
15For some are already turned aside after Satan.
16If any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, and let not the church be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed.
17Let the priests that rule well, be esteemed worthy of double honour: especially they who labour in the word and doctrine:
18For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19Against a priest receive not an accusation, but under two or three witnesses.
20Them that sin reprove before all: that the rest also may have fear.
21I charge thee before God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by declining to either side.
22Impose not hands lightly upon any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep thyself chaste.
23Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities.
24Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after.
25In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.
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An historical text maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society.
1 Timothy 5
5
Instructions About Widows, Elders and Slaves
1Correct an older man in a way that shows respect. Make an appeal to him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as if they were your brothers. 2Treat older women as if they were your mothers. Treat younger women as if they were your sisters. Be completely pure in the way you treat them.
3Take care of the widows who really need help. 4But suppose a widow has children or grandchildren. They should first learn to put their faith into practice. They should care for their own family. In that way they will pay back their parents and grandparents. That pleases God. 5A widow who really needs help and is left all alone puts her hope in God. Night and day she keeps on praying. Night and day she asks God for help. 6But a widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still living. 7Give these instructions to the people. Then no one can be blamed. 8Everyone should provide for their own relatives. Most of all, everyone should take care of their own family. If they don’t, they have left the faith. They are worse than someone who doesn’t believe.
9No widow should be put on the list of widows unless she is more than 60 years old. She must also have been faithful to her husband. 10She must be well known for the good things she does. That includes bringing up children. It includes inviting guests into her home. It includes washing the feet of the Lord’s people. It includes helping those who are in trouble. A widow should spend her time doing all kinds of good things.
11Don’t put younger widows on that kind of list. They might want pleasure more than they want Christ. Then they would want to get married again. 12If they do that, they will be judged. They have broken their first promise. 13Besides, they get into the habit of having nothing to do. They go around from house to house. They waste their time. They also bother other people and say things that make no sense. They shouldn’t say those things. 14So here is the advice I give to younger widows. Get married. Have children. Take care of your own homes. Don’t give the enemy the chance to tell lies about you. 15In fact, some have already turned away to follow Satan.
16Suppose a woman is a believer and takes care of widows. She should continue to help them. She shouldn’t let the church pay the expenses. Then the church can help the widows who really need it.
17The elders who do the church’s work well are worth twice as much honor. That is true in a special way of elders who preach and teach. 18Scripture says, “Do not stop an ox from eating while it helps separate the grain from the straw.” (Deuteronomy 25:4) Scripture also says, “Workers are worthy of their pay.” (Luke 10:7) 19Don’t believe a charge against an elder unless two or three witnesses bring it. 20But those elders who are sinning should be corrected in front of everyone. This will be a warning to the others. 21I command you to follow these instructions. I command you in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels. Treat everyone the same. Don’t favor one person over another.
22Don’t be too quick to place your hands on others to set them apart to serve God. Don’t take part in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Stop drinking only water. If your stomach is upset, drink a little wine. It can also help the other sicknesses you often have.
24The sins of some people are easy to see. They are already being judged. Others will be judged later. 25In the same way, good works are easy to see. But even good works that are hard to see can’t stay hidden forever.
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