17Let the elders who preside properly be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who are laborious in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture saith, “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn[119].” And again, “The labourer is worthy of his hire.”
19Against a presbyter receive not an accusation, except it be from two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may tremble.
21I adjure thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
22Lay hands hastily on no man, nor share another’s sins: keep thyself pure; 23confine thyself no longer to water-drinking; but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake, and thy frequent indispositions. 24Some men’s sins are glaringly manifest, going before to judgment; and after others also they follow to detection. 25In like manner also the good works of some are previously manifest; and it is not possible that what they have besides should be concealed.
[CHAP. VI.]
LET as many slaves as are under the yoke account their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. 2But they who have believing masters, let them not think less of them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who have equally partaken of the benefit. These things teach and enjoin. 3If any man teach another doctrine, and attend not to the sound words, which are those of Jesus Christ our Lord, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but delirious with disputes and quarrels about words, from whence come wrath, contentions, evil speakings, wrong suspicions, 5perverse wranglings of men corrupt in mind, and destitute of truth, who think to make gain of godliness; depart from such men. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For that we brought nothing into the world is evident, neither can we carry any thing out of it. 8Having then food and raiment, let us be therewith content. 9For they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful passions, which sink men in the abyss of destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evils, which some coveting, have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But thou, O man of God, flee from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life, unto which also thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
13I conjure thee in the presence of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who witnessed that noble confession before Pontius Pilate; 14that thou observe this injunction spotless, irreproachable, unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15which in his own appointed times he will shew forth, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16who alone possesseth immortality, inhabiting light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and glory eternal. Amen.
17Charge the rich in this world not to be lifted up with pride, nor to trust on the stability of wealth, but on the living God, who giveth us richly all things for our enjoyment; 18to do good, to be rich in generous actions, to take pleasure in liberality, ready to distribute; 19laying up treasure for themselves a noble foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20O Timothy, guard the sacred deposit, avoiding profane trifling talk, and antitheses of misnamed science: 21which some affecting have erred concerning the faith.