1 Timothy 5:7-22
English Standard Version
Chapter 5
7Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,
10and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
11But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry
12and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.
13Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
14So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.
15For some have already strayed after Satan.
16If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."
19Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
20As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
21In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
