1 Timothy 5:11–21

11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel asensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,

12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous 1pledge.

13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also agossips and bbusybodies, talking about cthings not proper to mention.

14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get amarried, bear children, bkeep house, and cgive the enemy no occasion for reproach;

15 for some ahave already turned aside to follow bSatan.

16 If any woman who is a believer ahas dependent widows, she must bassist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are cwidows indeed.

Concerning Elders

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

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

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

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

21 aI 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.