1 Timothy 5:1

1 Do not say sharp words to one who has authority in the church, but let your talk be as to a father, and to the younger men as to brothers:

1 Timothy 5:1 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 1. Rebuke not an elder
By whom is meant, not an elder1 Timothy 5:2

The elder women as mothers
When they offend in any point, they are to be reasoned, and argued, and pleaded with, as children should with their mothers; see ( Hosea 2:2 ) and are to be considered as mothers in Israel, and to be treated with great tenderness and respect. The younger as sisters;
using the freedom as a brother may with a sister; and considering them as sisters in Christ, and in a way becoming the relation, tell them their faults freely and privately, but with all purity:
in such manner as to preserve chastity in looks, in words, and actions.

1 Timothy 5:1 In-Context

1 Do not say sharp words to one who has authority in the church, but let your talk be as to a father, and to the younger men as to brothers:

2 To the older women as to mothers, to the younger as to sisters, with a clean heart.

3 Give honour to widows who are truly widows.

4 But if any widow has children or children's children, let these see that it is right to take care of their family and their fathers and mothers: for this is pleasing in the eyes of God.

5 Now she who is truly a widow and without family puts her hope in God, giving herself to prayer day and night.