16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those ^ywho are truly widows.

17 Let the elders ^zwho rule well be considered worthy of ^adouble honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, ^b“You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, ^c“The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except ^don the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, ^erebuke them in the presence of all, ^fso that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels ^gI charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, ^hdoing nothing from partiality. 22 ⁱDo not be hasty in the ^jlaying on of hands, nor ^ktake part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but ^luse a little wine ^mfor the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and ⁿeven those that are not cannot remain hidden.