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1 Rebuke not an elder, but exhort as a father; the younger as brethren: 2 the elder as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own house, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable before :God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed and lone, hath her hope set on :God, and continueth in :supplications and :prayers night and day. 6 But who liveth in self-indulgence is dead while she liveth. 7 These things also command, that they be without reproach. 8 But if any provideth not for his :own, and specially his household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, wife of one man, 10 well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she was hospitable to strangers, if she hath washed saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work. 11 But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against the Christ, they desire to marry; 12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith. 13 And withal they learn also to be idle, going about houses, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking the things they ought not. 14 I desire therefore the younger to marry, bear children, rule a household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: 15 for already some are turned aside after :Satan. 16 If any believer hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve the real widows. 17 Let the elders ruling well be counted worthy of double honor, specially those who toil in the word and teaching. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when treading out corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his :hire. 19 Against an elder receive no accusation, except from two or three witnesses. 20 But the sinning reprove before all, that the rest also be in fear. 21 I charge before :God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be partaker of others’ sins: keep thyself pure. 23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine for thy :stomach’s sake and thine often :infirmities. 24 The sins of some men are evident, going before unto judgment; and some also they follow after. 25 Likewise also the good :works are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

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