1 Timothy 5:11-20

¹¹But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, ¹²thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. ¹³At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. ¹⁴Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; ¹⁵for some have already turned away to follow Satan. ¹⁶If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.

¹⁷The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” ¹⁹Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. ²⁰Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.