14. So I want the younger widows to marry, have children, and take care of their homes. If they do this, then no enemy will have any reason to criticize them.
15. But some of the younger widows have already turned away to follow Satan.
16. If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, then she should care for them herself. The church should not have to care for them. Then the church will be able to care for the widows who have no living family.
17. The elders who lead the church well should receive great honor. Those who work hard by speaking and teaching especially should receive great honor.
18. For the Scripture says, “When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating.” And the Scripture also says, “A worker should be given his pay.”
19. Do not listen to someone who accuses an elder, unless there are two or three other persons who say he did wrong.
20. Tell those who keep on sinning that they are wrong. Do this in front of the whole church so that the others will have a warning.
21. Before God and Jesus Christ and the chosen angels, I command you to do these things. Be careful to do them without showing favor to anyone.
22. Think carefully before you lay your hands on anyone for the Lord’s service. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23. Timothy, you stop drinking only water and drink a little wine. This will help your stomach, and you will not be sick so often.