The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
17 Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching.
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 Scripture tells us, "Don't muzzle a working ox," and, "A worker deserves his pay."
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For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”
19 Don't listen to a complaint against a leader that isn't backed up by two or three responsible witnesses.
19
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
20 If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can't get by with it.
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But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
21 God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides.
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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 Don't appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don't want to become an unwitting accomplice. In any event, keep a close check on yourself.
22
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 And don't worry too much about what the critics will say. Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it's good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you.
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Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don't show up until much later.
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The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.
25 The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever.
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In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.