MLV(i)
1 Do not berate an elder man, but encourage him like a father; younger-men like brethren;
2 elder women like mothers; younger women like sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are really widows.
4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to be devout toward their own family and to give back reimbursement to their parents; for this is acceptable in God’s sight.
5 Now she who really is a widow and has been left alone and has hoped in God and remains in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 But she who is self-indulgent has died, while still living.
7 Also command these things, in order that they may be unimpeachable.
8 But if anyone is not planning-for his own and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Do not let a widow be enrolled who is less than sixty years old, having become the wife of one man, 10 being testified of in good works; if she has reared children, if she was hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the holy-ones’feet, if she has relieved those being afflicted, if she has followed after every good work.
11 But renounce younger widows; for whenever they are promiscuous against the Christ, they wish to marry; 12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith. 13 Now at the same time, they also are learning to be idle, strolling the houses, and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not to speak. 14 Therefore I will the younger widows to marry, to be childbearing, to manage the house, to never give a starting-point to those who lay in opposition to them because of reviling: 15 for already some have turned aside after the Adversary.
16 If any believing man or believing woman has relatives who are widows, they should relieve them and do not let the congregation be burdened; in order that it may relieve those who really are widows.
17 The elders who are governing well, let them be deemed worthy of double honor, especially those who are laboring in the word and in teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, ‘You will not muzzle a threshing bull.’And, ‘The worker is worthy of his wages.’ 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder, unless upon the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20 Reprove those who are sinning in the sight of all, in order that the rest may also have fear. 21 I am thoroughly testifying in sight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the chosen messengers, in order that you should observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to bias. 22 Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in another’s sins. Keep yourself pure! 23 No longer be a drinker of water only, but use a small amount of wine because of your stomach and your frequent sicknesses. 24 Some men’s sins are evident, leading them into judgment, but even for some, they are also following after them later. 25 Likewise also, the good works are evident, and those having works contrariwise are not able to be hid.
9 Do not let a widow be enrolled who is less than sixty years old, having become the wife of one man, 10 being testified of in good works; if she has reared children, if she was hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the holy-ones’feet, if she has relieved those being afflicted, if she has followed after every good work.
11 But renounce younger widows; for whenever they are promiscuous against the Christ, they wish to marry; 12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith. 13 Now at the same time, they also are learning to be idle, strolling the houses, and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not to speak. 14 Therefore I will the younger widows to marry, to be childbearing, to manage the house, to never give a starting-point to those who lay in opposition to them because of reviling: 15 for already some have turned aside after the Adversary.
16 If any believing man or believing woman has relatives who are widows, they should relieve them and do not let the congregation be burdened; in order that it may relieve those who really are widows.
17 The elders who are governing well, let them be deemed worthy of double honor, especially those who are laboring in the word and in teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, ‘You will not muzzle a threshing bull.’And, ‘The worker is worthy of his wages.’ 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder, unless upon the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20 Reprove those who are sinning in the sight of all, in order that the rest may also have fear. 21 I am thoroughly testifying in sight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the chosen messengers, in order that you should observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to bias. 22 Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in another’s sins. Keep yourself pure! 23 No longer be a drinker of water only, but use a small amount of wine because of your stomach and your frequent sicknesses. 24 Some men’s sins are evident, leading them into judgment, but even for some, they are also following after them later. 25 Likewise also, the good works are evident, and those having works contrariwise are not able to be hid.