1. Do not rebuke an elder, but appeal to him as a father; and the younger men as brothers;
2. The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3. Honor widows that are widows indeed.
4. But if any widow has children or nephews, let them first learn to show piety at home, and to repay their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
5. Now she who is a widow indeed, and alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
6. But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7. And these things give in instruction, that they may be blameless.
8. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
9. Do not let a widow be taken into the number under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
10. Well reported of for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently pursued every good work.
11. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to become wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;
12. Having condemnation, because they have thrown off their first faith.
13. And besides this they learn to be idle, wandering around from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14. I desire therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15. For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16. If any man or woman that believes has widows, let them help them, and do not let the church be burdened; that it may help those who are widows indeed.
17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and teaching.
18. For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The laborer is worthy of his pay.
19. Against an elder do not receive an accusation, except before two or three witnesses.
20. Those who sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
21. I solemnly instruct you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
22. Lay hands suddenly on no one, neither be a sharer of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.
23. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses.
24. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going beforehand to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25. Likewise also the good works of some are apparent beforehand; and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.