1 Timothy 5:17-25

Christian Standard Bible

Honoring the Elders

¹⁷ The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor,^[a] especially those who work hard^(A) at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,^[b](B) and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”^(C)

¹⁹ Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.^{(D) 20} Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid. ²¹ I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe^(E) these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. ²² Don’t be too quick to appoint^[c](F) anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.^{(G) 23} Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. ²⁴ Some people’s sins are obvious, preceding them to judgment,^(H) but the sins of others surface^[d] later. ²⁵ Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.