1 Timothy 5

1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:

1Do not speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him as if he were your father; treat younger men like brothers.

2the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

2Treat older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters, with complete purity.

3Honor widows that are widows indeed.

3Give proper respect and support to widows who are truly in need.

4But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to practice their religion by caring for their own family and repaying their parents, because this pleases God.

5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

5A widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and prays constantly, night and day.

6But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

6But a widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she is still alive.

7These things also command, that they may be without reproach.

7Give these instructions as well, so that no one can be blamed for doing wrong.

8But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

8But if anyone does not provide for his own relatives, and especially for his own immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

9A widow should not be put on the support list unless she is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband.

10well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

10She must be well known for doing good things, such as raising children, showing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of God’s people, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds of good work.

11But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

11Do not put younger widows on the list; for when their physical desires pull them away from Christ, they will want to get married again.

12having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

12In this way, they bring judgment on themselves because they have broken their first promise of dedication.

13And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

13Besides that, they learn to be lazy and spend their time going from house to house; and they are not just lazy, but they also become gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn't say.

14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

14So I advise younger widows to get married, have children, manage their homes, and give our enemies no reason to criticize us.

15for already some are turned aside after Satan.

15For some have already turned away to follow Satan.

16If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

16If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them so that the church is not burdened and can focus on helping the widows who are truly in need.

17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

17Leaders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

18For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker deserves his pay.'

19Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

19Do not listen to an accusation against a leader unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.

20Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

20Rebuke those who continue to sin in front of everyone, so that the rest of the people will be afraid to sin.

21I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

21I solemnly charge you before God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, to keep these instructions without being biased or showing favoritism to anyone.

22Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

22Do not be in a hurry to ordain anyone, and do not share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

23Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

23Stop drinking only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.

24The sins of some people are obvious, leading the way to judgment; but the sins of others only show up later.

25In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

25In the same way, good works are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot stay hidden forever.