| 章 |
| 5:1 |
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but [rather] appeal to [him] as a father, [to] the younger men as brothers,
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| 5:2 |
the older women as mothers, [and] the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
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| 5:3 |
Honor widows who are widows indeed;
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| 5:4 |
but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
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| 5:5 |
Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.
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| 5:6 |
But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.
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| 5:7 |
Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.
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| 5:8 |
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
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| 5:9 |
Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, [having been] the wife of one man,
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| 5:10 |
having a reputation for good works; [and] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, [and] if she has devoted herself to every good work.
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| 5:11 |
But refuse [to put] younger widows [on the list], for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,
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| 5:12 |
[thus] incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge.
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| 5:13 |
And at the same time they also learn [to be] idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper [to mention].
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| 5:14 |
Therefore, I want younger [widows] to get married, bear children, keep house, [and] give the enemy no occasion for reproach;
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| 5:15 |
for some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
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| 5:16 |
If any woman who is a believer has [dependent] widows, let her assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
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| 5:17 |
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
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| 5:18 |
For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
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| 5:19 |
Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
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| 5:20 |
Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful [of sinning].
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| 5:21 |
I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of [His] chosen angels, to maintain these [principles] without bias, doing nothing in a [spirit of] partiality.
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| 5:22 |
Do not lay hands upon anyone [too] hastily and thus share [responsibility for] the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
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| 5:23 |
No longer drink water [exclusively], but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
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| 5:24 |
The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their [sins] follow after.
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| 5:25 |
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
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