He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.

Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.

And indisputably, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil.