Shared Word Translation
1 Timothy 5
Honoring One Another
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as a father; younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
Care for Widows
Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
Now she who is truly a widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day, but she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, having a testimony of good works: if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped the afflicted, devoted herself to every good work.
But refuse younger widows, for when their desires draw them away from Christ, they want to marry, thus incurring judgment because they have set aside their former pledge.
At the same time they learn to be idle, going about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. So I desire that younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity for slander.
For some have already turned aside after Satan. If any believing woman has widows, let her care for them; let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
Elders and Discipline
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who persist in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
The sins of some are evident, going before them to judgment, but those of others follow after. Likewise also good works are evident, and even those that are otherwise cannot remain hidden.