1 Timothy 5:17–25

Concerning Elders

^17aThe elders who ^brule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who ^cwork hard ¹at preaching and teaching.

¹⁸For the Scripture says, “^aYou shall not muzzle the ox while he 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, ^arebuke in the presence of all, ^bso that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

^21aI solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.

^22aDo not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and ¹thereby share ^bresponsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself ²free from sin.

²³No longer drink water exclusively, 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.

²⁵Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and ^athose which are otherwise cannot be concealed.