younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are real widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice their religion in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a real widow, and who has been left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and she must be well known for her good deeds, as one who has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, relieved those in distress, and devoted herself to doing good in every way. 11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to marry, 12 thus bringing condemnation, because they have set aside their first pledge. 13 Besides, they learn to be idle, going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their homes, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach. 15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are real widows. 17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning. 21 I charge you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. 24 The sins of some men are obvious, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins appear later. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden. 6 1 Let all who are under the yoke of slavery regard their masters