1 Timothy 4:12-5:8

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹² Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.^{(A) 13} Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture,^[a] to exhorting, to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.^{(B) 15} Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.^(C)

Duties toward Believers

5 Do not speak harshly to an older man,^[b] but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers,^{(D) 2} to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters—with absolute purity.

³ Honor widows who are really widows. ⁴ If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some repayment to their parents, for this is pleasing in God’s sight.^{(E) 5} The real widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,^{(F) 6} but the widow^[c] who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.^{(G) 7} Give these commands as well, so that they may be above reproach.^{(H) 8} And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.^(I)