1 Timothy 5:17-25

Contemporary English Version

Church Leaders

¹⁷ Church leaders^[a] who do their job well deserve to be paid^[b] twice as much, especially if they work hard at preaching and teaching. ^18 (A) It is just as the Scriptures say, “Don't muzzle an ox when you are using it to grind grain.” You also know the saying, “Workers are worth their pay.”

^19 (B) Don't listen to any charge against a church leader, unless at least two or three people bring the same charges. ²⁰ But if any of the leaders should keep on sinning, they must be corrected in front of the whole group, as a warning to everyone else.

²¹ In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and their chosen angels, I order you to follow my instructions! Be fair with everyone, and don't have any favorites.

²² Don't be too quick to accept people into the service of the Lord^[c] by placing your hands on them.

Don't sin because others do, but stay close to God.

²³ Stop drinking only water. Take a little wine to help your stomach trouble and the other illnesses you often have.

²⁴ Some people get caught in their sins almost at once, even before the time of judgment. But other people's sins don't show up until later. ²⁵ It is the same with good deeds. Some are easily seen, but none of them can be hidden.