1 Timothy 5

All 25 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

Read 1 Timothy 5 in the Bible reader, with audio →

1. 1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father; and treat younger men as brothers.
2. 2Treat older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters — with complete purity.
3. 3Honor widows who are truly widows.
4. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents, for this is good and acceptable before God.
5. 5Now she who is truly a widow, and left all alone, trusts in God and continues in requests and prayers night and day.
6. 6But a widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is alive.
7. 7Command these things, so that they may be blameless.
8. 8If anyone fails to provide for their own relatives — especially those in their own household — that person has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9. 9A widow should not be included on the list unless she is at least 60 years old and has been the wife of one man.
10. 10She must be well known for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has taken in strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has helped those in trouble, if she has diligently followed every good work.
11. 11But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their desires begin to draw them away from Christ, they want to marry.
12. 12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13. 13On top of that, they pick up the habit of being idle, going from house to house. And it's not just idleness — they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things they shouldn't.
14. 14So I want younger women to marry, have children, and manage their homes, giving no opportunity for the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15. 15Some have already wandered off to follow Satan.
16. 16If any believing man or woman has widows, let them help them. Do not let the church be burdened, so it can help those who are truly widows.
17. 17Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in the word and in teaching.
18. 18For the scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox that is treading out the grain," and also, "The worker is worthy of his reward."
19. 19Don't accept an accusation against an elder unless it's backed by 2 or 3 witnesses.
20. 20Those who sin should be rebuked before all, so that others may also fear.
21. 21I charge you before God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels to follow these instructions without favoritism or partiality.
22. 22Do not be quick to lay hands on anyone, nor share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23. 23Stop drinking only water — use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24. 24Some people's sins are obvious and run ahead of them to judgment. For others, their sins only catch up with them later.
25. 25In the same way, some people's good works are plain for everyone to see. And even the ones that aren't obvious now can't stay hidden forever.