1 Timothy 5:1-16

11Do not sharply rebuke an 2older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to 3the younger men as brothers, 2the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3Honor widows who are 4widows indeed; 4but if any widow has children or grandchildren, 5they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to 6make some return to their parents; for this is 7acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she who is a 8widow indeed and who has been left alone, 9has fixed her hope on God and continues in 10entreaties and prayers night and day. 6But she who 11gives herself to wanton pleasure is 12dead even while she lives. 71314Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has 15denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9A widow is to be 16put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been 17the wife of one man, 10having a reputation for 18good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has 19shown hospitality to strangers, if she 20has washed the 21saints’ feet, if she has 22assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel 23sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous 24pledge. 13At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also 25gossips and 26busybodies, talking about 27things not proper to mention. 14Therefore, I want younger widows to get 28married, bear children, 29keep house, and 30give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15for some 31have already turned aside to follow 32Satan. 16If any woman who is a believer 33has dependent widows, she must 34assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are 35widows indeed.