5:17 Elders who provide effective leadership 10 must be counted worthy 11 of double honor, 12 especially those who work hard in speaking 13 and teaching. 5:18 For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” 14 and, “The worker deserves his pay.” 15 5:19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 16 5:20 Those guilty of sin 17 must be rebuked 18 before all, 19 as a warning to the rest. 20 5:21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind. 21 5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone 22 hastily and so identify with the sins of others. 23 Keep yourself pure. 5:23 (Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion 24 and your frequent illnesses.) 25 5:24 The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later. 26 5:25 Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.