Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 5:1-2

"Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity." — 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (ASV)

Respect must be paid to the dignity of age and position. The younger, if at fault, must be rebuked, not as one eager to find fault with them, but as one willing to help them improve. Much meekness and care are needed when reproving those who deserve reproof.