New International Reader's Version NIRV
New International Version NIV
17 The elders who do the church's work well are worth twice as much honor. That is true in a special way of elders who preach and teach.
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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 says, "Do not stop the ox from eating while it helps separate the grain from the straw."(Deuteronomy 25:4) Scripture also says, "Workers are worthy of their pay."(Luke 10:7)
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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 believe a charge against an elder unless two or three witnesses bring it.
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Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
20 Elders who sin should be corrected in front of the other believers. That will be a warning to the others.
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But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
21 I command you to follow those directions. I command you in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels. Treat everyone the same. Don't favor one person over another.
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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 be too quick to place your hands on others to set them apart to serve God. Don't take part in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
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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. If your stomach is upset, drink a little wine. It can also help the other sicknesses you often have.
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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 easy to see. They are already being judged. Others will be judged 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 In the same way, good works are easy to see. But even good works that are hard to see can't stay hidden.
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In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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.