1 Timothy 5

Guidelines for Supporting Widows 1 Timothy 5:3–16

³Verse 3. Honor widows who are widows indeed. ⁴Verse 4. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ⁵Verse 5. Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. ⁶Verse 6. But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. ⁷Verse 7. Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. ⁸Verse 8. But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹Verse 9. Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, ¹⁰Verse 10. being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work. ¹¹Verse 11. But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; ¹²Verse 12. having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. ¹³Verse 13. Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

¹⁴Verse 14. I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting. ¹⁵Verse 15. For already some have turned away after Satan. ¹⁶Verse 16. If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

Honor for Elders 1 Timothy 5:17–20

¹⁷Verse 17. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. ¹⁸Verse 18. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” ¹⁹Verse 19. Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. ²⁰Verse 20. Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

Impartiality and Integrity 1 Timothy 5:21–22

²¹Verse 21. I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. ²²Verse 22. Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

Personal Health and Accountability 1 Timothy 5:23–25

²³Verse 23. Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. ²⁴Verse 24. Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. ²⁵Verse 25. In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.