11. Don't put young widows on the list. They may later have a strong desire to get married. Then they will turn away from Christ
12. and become guilty of breaking their promise to him.
13. Besides, they will become lazy and get into the habit of going from house to house. Next, they will start gossiping and become busybodies, talking about things that are none of their business.
14. I would prefer that young widows get married, have children, and look after their families. Then the enemy won't have any reason to say insulting things about us.
15. Look what's already happened to some of the young widows! They have turned away to follow Satan.
16. If a woman who is a follower has any widows in her family, she should help them. This will keep the church from having that burden, and then the church can help widows who are really in need.
17. Church leaders who do their job well deserve to be paid twice as much, especially if they work hard at preaching and teaching.
18. It is just as the Scriptures say, “Don't muzzle an ox when you are using it to grind grain.” You also know the saying, “Workers are worth their pay.”
19. Don't listen to any charge against a church leader, unless at least two or three people bring the same charges.
20. But if any of the leaders should keep on sinning, they must be corrected in front of the whole group, as a warning to everyone else.
21. In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and their chosen angels, I order you to follow my instructions! Be fair with everyone, and don't have any favourites.
22. Don't be too quick to accept people into the service of the Lord by placing your hands on them.Don't sin because others do, but stay close to God.
23. Stop drinking only water. Take a little wine to help your stomach trouble and the other illnesses you always have.
24. Some people get caught in their sins straight away, even before the time of judgment. But other people's sins don't show up until later.
25. It is the same with good deeds. Some are easily seen, but none of them can be hidden.