not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, ¹  not two-faced, ²  not given to excessive drinking, ³  not greedy for gain,

He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant ¹  and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact. ² 

Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses. ¹ 

Likewise also their wives ¹  must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect.

Do not address an older man harshly ¹  but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers, ² 

No widow should be put on the list ¹  unless ²  she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, ³ 

As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus ¹  to instruct ²  certain people not to spread false teachings, ³ 

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently. ¹ 

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan ¹  to be taught not to blaspheme.

And he must be well thought of by ¹  those outside the faith, ²  so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap. ³ 

Likewise ¹  the women are to dress ²  in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. ³  Their adornment must not be ⁴  with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing,

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, ¹  given to you and confirmed by prophetic words ²  when the elders laid hands on you. ³ 

And besides that, going around ¹  from house to house they learn to be lazy, ²  and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not. ³ 

If a believing woman ¹  has widows in her family, ²  let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need. ³ 

Those who are under the yoke as slaves ¹  must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent ²  the name of God and Christian teaching ³  from being discredited. ⁴ 

If someone spreads false teachings ¹  and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods ¹  not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, ²  but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect ¹  because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. ² Teach them and exhort them about these things. ³