1 Timothy 5:17–25

Honoring the Elders

^17aThe elders who ^blead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who ^clabor ¹at preaching the word and teaching.

¹⁸For the Scripture says, “^aYou shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “^bThe laborer is worthy of his wages.”

¹⁹Do not receive an accusation against an ^aelder except on the basis of ^btwo or three witnesses.

²⁰Those who continue in sin, ^areprove in the presence of all, ^bso that the rest also will be fearful.

^21aI solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His elect angels, to observe these instructions without bias, doing nothing in partiality.

^22aDo not lay hands upon anyone hastily and ¹thereby share ^bresponsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

²³No longer drink water only, but ^ause a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

²⁴The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins ^afollow after.

²⁵So also good works are quite evident, and ^athose which are otherwise cannot be concealed.