1 Don’t 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. 3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow
has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards
their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is*1 acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a widow indeed,
and 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 doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own
household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let
no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty 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 relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every
good work.
11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against
Christ, they desire to marry; 12 having condemnation, because they have
rejected their first pledge. 13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going
about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies,
saying things which they ought not. 14 I desire therefore that the younger
widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the
adversary for reviling. 15 For already some have turned aside after Satan.
16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and
don’t let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are
widows indeed.
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.”
And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
19 Don’t 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. 21 I charge you in the sight of God, and
Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without
prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no one,
neither be a participant in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 23 Be no
longer a drinker of water only, 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 also
follow later. 25 In the same way also there are good works that are
obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.
1 TR adds “good
and”
World English Bible - Public Domain |
|
|