⁹ For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating the grain].” Is it [only] for oxen that God cares?^{(A) 10} Or does He speak entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake: The plowman ought to plow ^[a]in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the harvest.

Concerning Elders

¹⁷ The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ]. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].”^(A)