Reproof and Respect 1 RV Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: BSB BSB: Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,
2 RV the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. BSB BSB: older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Honoring True Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
3 RV Honour widows that are widows indeed. BSB BSB: Honor the widows who are truly widows.
4 RV But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to shew piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. BSB BSB: But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
5 RV Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. BSB BSB: The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.
6 RV But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth. BSB BSB: But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.
7 RV These things also command, that they may be without reproach. BSB BSB: Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.
8 RV But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. BSB BSB: If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 RV Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, BSB BSB: A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband,
10 RV well 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. BSB BSB: and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
11 RV But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; BSB BSB: But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,
12 RV having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith. BSB BSB: and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith.
13 RV And 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. BSB BSB: At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
14 RV I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give none occasion to the adversary for reviling: BSB BSB: So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
15 RV for already some are turned aside after Satan. BSB BSB: For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
16 RV If 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. BSB BSB: If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.
Honoring Elders 17 RV Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and in teaching. BSB BSB: Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
18 RV For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his hire. BSB BSB: For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
19 RV Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. BSB BSB: Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
20 RV Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. BSB BSB: But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
A Charge to Timothy 21 RV I 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. BSB BSB: I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
22 RV Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. BSB BSB: Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 RV Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. BSB BSB: Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 RV Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after. BSB BSB: The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later.
25 RV In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid. BSB BSB: In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.