17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
21I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
22Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later.
25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.