The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Timothy 05
1 Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort
him as a father; the younger men
as brothers;
2 the elder women as mothers; the
younger as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed.
4 But if any widow has children or
grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety
toward their own family and to repay their
parents, for this is† acceptable
in the sight of God.
5 Now she who is a widow indeed and
desolate, has her hope set on God
and continues in petitions and
prayers night and day.
6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is
dead while she lives.
7 Also command these things, that they
may be without reproach.
8 But if anyone doesn’t provide for his
own, and especially his own household, he
has denied the faith and is worse than an
unbeliever.
9 Let no one be enrolled as a widow
under sixty years old, having been the wife
of one man,
10 being approved by good works, if she
has brought up children, if she has been
hospitable to strangers, if she has washed
the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the
afflicted, and if she has diligently followed
every good work.
11 But refuse younger widows, for when
they have grown wanton against Christ,
they desire to marry,
12 having condemnation, because they
have rejected their first pledge.
13 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.
14 I desire therefore that the younger
widows marry, bear children, rule the
household, and give no occasion to the
adversary for insulting.
15 For already some have turned away
after Satan.
16 If anymanor woman whobelieveshas
widows, let them relieve them, and don’t
let the assembly be burdened, that it might
relieve those who are widows indeed.
17 Let the elders who rule well be
counted worthy of double honor,
especially those who labor in
the word and in teaching.
18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not
muzzle the ox when it treads out the
grain.”* And, “The laborer is worthy of his
wages.”*
19 Don’t receive an accusation against an
elder except at the word of two or three
witnesses.
20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of
all, that the rest also may be in fear.
21 I command youinthe sight of God, and
the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels,
that you observe these things without
prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
22 Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be
a participant in other people’s sins. Keep
yourself pure.
23 Be no longer a drinker of water only,
but use a little wine for your stomach’s
sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are evident, preceding
them to judgment, and some also follow later.
25 In the same way also there are good
works that are obvious, and those that are
otherwise can’t be hidden.