GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
17 Give double honor to spiritual leaders who handle their duties well. This is especially true if they work hard at teaching the word [of God].
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 After all, Scripture says, "Never muzzle an ox when it is threshing grain," and "The worker deserves his pay."
18
For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”
19 Don't pay attention to an accusation against a spiritual leader unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.
19
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
20 Reprimand those leaders who sin. Do it in front of everyone so that the other leaders will also be afraid.
20
But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
21 I solemnly call on you in the sight of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels to be impartial when you follow what I've told you. Never play favorites.
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 Don't be in a hurry to place your hands on anyone [to ordain him]. Don't participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself morally pure.
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. Instead, drink a little wine for your stomach because you are frequently sick.
23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some people are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment. The sins of others follow them there.
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, the good things that people do are obvious, and those that aren't obvious can't remain hidden.
25
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.