ABU(i)
1 REBUKE not an elder, but entreat him as a father; younger men as brethren;
2 elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3 Honor as widows those who are widows indeed.
4 But if any widow has children or grand-children, let these learn first to show piety to their own household, and to requite their parents, for this is acceptable before God.
5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers, night and day.
6 But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 And these things command, that they may be blameless.
8 But if any one provides not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let not one be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one husband;
10 well reported of for good works; if she brought up children, if she lodged strangers, if she washed the feet of the saints, if she relieved the afflicted, if she diligently followed every good work.
11 But younger widows refuse; for when they have become wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;
12 having condemnation, because they broke their first faith.
13 And at the same time they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14 I desire therefore that younger widows marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For already, some turned aside after Satan.
16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.
17 Let elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and teaching.
18 For the Scripture says: Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while treading out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his hire.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, except before two or three witnesses.
20 Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.
21 I charge thee before God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing with partiality.
22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither share in other men's sins. Keep thyself pure.
23 No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and for thy frequent infirmities.
24 The sins of some men are openly manifest, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25 In like manner also the good works are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise can not be hidden.