Chapter
5
Don't rebuke an older woman, but exhort her as a mother; the younger women as sisters;
the elder men as fathers; the younger as brothers, in all purity.
Honor widows who are widows indeed.
But if any widower has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
Now he who is a widower indeed, and desolate, has his hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.
But he who gives himself to pleasure is dead while he lives.
Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.
But if anyone doesn't provide for her own, and especially her own household, she has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
Let no one be enrolled as a widower under sixty years old, having been the husband of one woman,
being approved by good works, if he has brought up children, if he has been hospitable to strangers, if he has washed the saints' feet, if he has relieved the afflicted, and if he has diligently followed every good work.
But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;
having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.
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.
I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling.
For already some have turned aside after Satan.
If any woman or man 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.
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain."{Deuteronomy 25:4} And, "The laborer is worthy of her wages."
Don't receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.
Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other women's sins. Keep yourself pure.
Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.
Some women's sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later.
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.