The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy

⭑ Literal Standard Version :: World English Bible Catholic ⭑

- Chapter 5 -

You may not rebuke an elder, but exhort [him] as a father, younger persons as brothers,

aged women as mothers, younger ones as sisters—in all purity;

Honoring True Widows

(Ruth 1:1–5)

honor widows who are really widows;

and if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own house, and to give back a repayment to the parents, for this is right and acceptable before God.

And she who is really a widow and desolate, has hoped on God, and remains in the supplications and in the prayers night and day,

but she given to luxury [while] living has died;

and charge these things, that they may be blameless;

and if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of the household, he has denied the faith, and he is worse than an unbeliever.

A widow—do not let her be enrolled under sixty years of age, having been a wife of one husband,

being testified to in good works: if she brought up children, if she entertained strangers, if she washed holy ones’ feet, if she relieved those in tribulation, if she followed after every good work;

and be refusing younger widows, for when they may revel against the Christ, they wish to marry,

having judgment, because they cast away the first faith,

and also at the same time, they learn [to be] idle, going around the houses; and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking things they should not;

I intend, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer of reviling;

for some already turned aside after Satan.

If any believing man or believing woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the assembly be burdened, that it may relieve those [who are] really widows.

Honoring Elders

Let them, the well-leading elders, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in word and teaching,

for the Writing says, “You will not muzzle an ox treading out,” and, “Worthy [is] the workman of his reward.”

Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except on two or three witnesses.

Reprove those sinning before all, that the others may also have fear;

A Charge to Timothy

I fully testify, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen messengers, that you may keep these things, without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality.

Be quickly laying hands on no one, nor be having fellowship with [the] sins of others; be keeping yourself pure;

no longer be drinking water, but be using a little wine, because of your stomach and of your frequent sicknesses;

the sins of certain men are evident beforehand, leading before to judgment, but some also they follow after;

in like manner the right works are also evident beforehand, and those that are otherwise are not able to be hid.

Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;

the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

Honoring True Widows

(Ruth 1:1–5)

Honor widows who are widows indeed.

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 (a) acceptable in the sight of God.

Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.

But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives.

Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.

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.

Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,

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.

But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,

having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

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.

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.

For already some have turned away after Satan.

If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened, that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

Honoring Elders

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.”(b) And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (c)

Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses.

Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

A Charge to Timothy

I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later.

In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.

Footnotes

(a)5:4 TR adds “good and”

(b)5:18 ℘ Deuteronomy 25:4