I exhort the elders,

Witness the suffering;

To the younger doers,

In need of buffering.

Partakers of glory,

Going to be revealed;

So, lambs know the story,

That having been concealed.

Shepherd the flock of God,

Exercising oversight;

That they honor and laud,

And doing what is right.

Willingly and eager,

But not for shameful gain;

Abundant not meager,

As to fully explain.

You are not a master,

But model to the flock;

Continue to mentor,

On the path that they walk.

And when Christ does appear,

You will receive your crown;

No longer need to fear,

Smile without a frown.

You who might be younger,

Submit to your elders;

Be not a whoremonger,

Who aimlessly wanders.

Be clothed to be humble,

God opposes the proud;

Never try to grumble,

Or being boastful loud.

Whenever you suffer,

Our God of all grace;

He is there to buffer,

To comfort and embrace.