17 The eldersc who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,d especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”a e and “The worker deserves his wages.”b f 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elderg unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.h 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprovei before everyone, so that the others may take warning.j 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesusk and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,l and do not share in the sins of others.m Keep yourself pure.n

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wineo because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.