5:1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers,
5:2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
5:3 Honor widows who are actually widows;
5:4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
5:5 Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on God, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day.
5:6 But she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives.
5:7 ①Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach.
▷ ①Or Keep commanding
5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
5:9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
5:10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the ①saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.
▷ ①Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
5:11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married,
5:12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ①ignored their previous pledge.
▷ ①Or broken
5:13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.
5:14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach;
5:15 for some have already turned away to follow Satan.
5:16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.
5:17 The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard ①at preaching and teaching.
▷ ①Lit in word
5:18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
5:19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
5:20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
5:21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
5:22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and ①thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself ②free from sin.
▷ ①Lit do not share ②Lit pure
5:23 Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
5:24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.
5:25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.