8. But if any do not care for their own, and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers.
9. Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old, has been the wife of one man,
10. is well attested in good works, if she has brought up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints’ feet, has relieved the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.
11. But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry,
12. and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their first pledge.
13. Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they ought not.
14. Therefore I desire that the younger women marry, bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15. For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16. If any believing man or woman has widows, let those assist them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.