[17] The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. [18] For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” [19] Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. [20] But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. [21] I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. [22] Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. [23] Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. [24] The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. [25] In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
