1 Timothy 5:17–25

Honoring the Elders

17 The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, w especially those who work hard x at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says:

Do not muzzle an ox

while it is treading out the grain, y z and,

the worker is worthy of his wages. a

19 Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. b 20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe c these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Don’t be too quick to appoint d e anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. f 23 Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 Some people’s sins are obvious, going before them to judgment, g but the sins of others surface h later. 25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.