1Timothy:5

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* Rebuke not an elder sharply , but exhort [him ] as a father , younger [men ] as brethren , * elder women as mothers , younger women as sisters , with all purity . * Honour widows who are really widows ; * but if any widow have children or descendants , let them learn first to be pious as regards their own house , and to render a return on their side to [their ] parents ; for this is acceptable in the sight of God . * Now she who [is ] a widow indeed , and is left alone , has put [her ] hope in God , and continues in supplications and prayers night and day . * But she that lives in habits of self-indulgence is dead [while ] living . * And these things enjoin , that they may be irreproachable . * But if any one does not provide for his own , and specially for those of [his ] house , he has denied the faith , and is worse than the unbeliever . * Let a widow be put upon the list , being of not less than sixty years , [having been ] wife of one man , * borne witness to in good works , if she have brought up children , if she have exercised hospitality , if she have washed saints ' feet , if she have imparted relief to the distressed , if she have diligently followed every good work . * But younger widows decline ; for when they grow wanton against Christ , they desire to marry , * being guilty , because they have cast off their first faith . * And , at the same time , they learn also [to be ] idle , going about to people 's houses ; and not only idle , but also gossipers and meddlers , speaking things not becoming . * I will therefore that the younger marry , bear children , rule the house , give no occasion to the adversary in respect of reproach . * For already some have turned aside after Satan . * If any believing man or woman have widows , let them impart relief to them , and let not the assembly be charged , that it may impart relief to those [that are ] widows indeed . * Let the elders who take the lead [among the saints ] well be esteemed worthy of double honour , specially those labouring in word and teaching ; * for the scripture says , Thou shalt not muzzle an ox that treadeth out corn , and , The workman [is ] worthy of his hire . * Against an elder receive not an accusation unless where there are two or three witnesses . * Those that sin convict before all , that the rest also may have fear . * I testify before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels , that thou keep these things without prejudice , doing nothing by favour . * Lay hands quickly on no man , nor partake in others ' sins . Keep thyself pure . * Drink no longer only water , but use a little wine on account of thy stomach and thy frequent illnesses . * Of some men the sins are manifest beforehand , going before to judgment , and some also they follow after . * In like manner good works also are manifest beforehand , and those that are otherwise cannot be hid .

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