1Ti 5 | BSB | STEP | {Do} not rebuke an older man, but appeal to [him] as to a father. [Treat] younger [men] as brothers,

‏ 1 Timothy 5

Reproof and Respect

1 {Do} not rebuke an older man, but appeal to [him] as to a father. [Treat] younger [men] as brothers, 2 older [women] as mothers, [and] younger [women] as sisters, with absolute purity.

Support for Widows

3 Support [the] widows who [are] truly [in need] . 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to [their] own family and repay [their] parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 [The widow] who [is] truly [in need] and left all alone puts [her] hope in God and continues night and day in [her] petitions and prayers. 6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead [even while she] is still alive. 7 Give these instructions [to the believers] , so that they will be above reproach. 8 If anyone does not provide for [his] own, and especially [his own] household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 A widow should be enrolled if she is [at least] sixty years [old] , [the] wife of one man, 10 [and] well known for good deeds [such as] bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing [the] feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, [and] devoting herself to every good work. 11 But refuse [to enroll] younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry, 12 [and thus] will incur judgment because they are setting aside [their] first faith. 13 At the same time they will also learn [to be] idle, going from house to house and {being} not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not [ mention ] . 14 So I advise [the] younger [widows] to marry, have children, [and] manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. 15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16 If any believing [woman] has [dependent] widows, she must assist them and not {allow} the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows [who are] truly [ in need ] .

Honoring Elders

17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “vvv Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” ^{▼▼Deuteronomy 25:4} and, “The worker [is] worthy of his wages.” ^{▼▼Luke 10:7} 19 {Do} not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on [the testimony of] two or three witnesses. 20 But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear [of sin] .

A Charge to Timothy

21 I solemnly charge [you] before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these [principles] without bias, [and] to do nothing out of partiality. 22 Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands [and thereby] share in [the] sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Stop drinking [only] water [and] use a little wine instead, because of [your] stomach and your frequent ailments. 24 The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of [them] to judgment; but [the sins] of others do [not] surface until later. 25 In the same way, good deeds [are] obvious, and even the [ones that] are [inconspicuous] cannot remain hidden.