Give the people these instructions,(A) so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied(B) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds,(C) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,(D) washing the feet(E) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble(F) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies(G) who talk nonsense,(H) saying things they ought not to.

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