Paul says elders who rule well are worthy of “double honor,” especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. He supports this with Scripture statements about not muzzling an ox and paying a laborer his wages. See 1 Timothy 5:17–18.
In 1 Timothy 5:17–18 the writer instructs the community to treat elders who lead well as deserving “double honor,” with special attention to those who work hard in speaking and teaching. The reason given is that Scripture itself supports providing for workers: an ox should not be kept from eating while it works, and a laborer deserves pay. These verses sit inside a larger set of directions about community life and leadership in 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2. Just before this, the writer addresses care for widows and how families and the church should share responsibilities (1 Timothy 5:3–16).
These verses assume that “elders” are recognized leaders in the community, and that their work can be done well or poorly. The text’s explicit claim is that elders who “rule/lead well” should be regarded as worthy of “double honor,” and that special attention is given to those who work hard in speaking and teaching.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with 1 Timothy 5:17-18, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
17Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
18For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."