Reproof and Respect 1 WBS Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and 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 WBS The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. BSB BSB: older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Honoring True Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
3 WBS Honor widows that are widows indeed. BSB BSB: Honor the widows who are truly widows.
4 WBS But if any widow hath children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before 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 WBS Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in 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 WBS But she that liveth in pleasure, is dead while she liveth. BSB BSB: But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.
7 WBS And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. BSB BSB: Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.
8 WBS But if any provideth not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 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 WBS Let not a widow be taken into the number under sixty 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 WBS Well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath lodged 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 WBS But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they will marry; BSB BSB: But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,
12 WBS Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. BSB BSB: and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith.
13 WBS And at the same time they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busy-bodies, 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 WBS I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. BSB BSB: So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
15 WBS For some are already turned aside after Satan. BSB BSB: For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
16 WBS If any man or woman that believeth hath widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; 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 WBS Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. BSB BSB: Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
18 WBS For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. 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 WBS Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. BSB BSB: Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
20 WBS Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may 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 WBS I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, 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 WBS Impose 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 WBS Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities. BSB BSB: Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 WBS Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment: and some men 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 WBS Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that 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.