5:17 Elders who provide effective leadership 4 must be counted worthy 5 of double honor, 6 especially those who work hard in speaking 7 and teaching. 5:18 For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” 8 and, “The worker deserves his pay.” 9 5:19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 10 5:20 Those guilty of sin 11 must be rebuked 12 before all, 13 as a warning to the rest. 14 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. 15 5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone 16 hastily and so identify with the sins of others. 17 Keep yourself pure. 5:23 (Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion 18 and your frequent illnesses.) 19 5:24 The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later. 20 5:25 Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.