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3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to be devout first to their own household and to give back recompense to parents, for this is acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is truly a widow and having been left alone has hoped on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she given to luxury has died while living. 7 Also command these things, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a widow be enrolled, being not less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, 10 being testified to in good works: if she brought up children, if she entertained strangers, if she washed the feet of the saints, if she gave relief to those being oppressed, if she followed after every good work. 11 But refuse younger widows; for when they might grow wanton against Christ, they want to marry, 12 having judgment because they set aside the first faith. 13 And at the same time also they learn to be idle, going around the houses, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things not being proper. 14 Therefore I intend for younger ones to marry, to bear children, to manage their households, to give the one opposing no occasion in favor of reviling. 15 For already some turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has widows, let her give relief to them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may give relief to those truly widows. 17 Let the elders presiding well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those laboring in the word and the teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except upon two or three witnesses. 20 But those sinning, rebuke before all, so that the rest may have fear also. 21 I earnestly testify before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you should keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality. 22 Lay hands on no one quickly, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine, because of the stomach and your frequent ailments. 24 The sins of some men are evident, going before them to judgment; but some also they follow after. 25 Likewise also, the good works are evident, and even those being otherwise are not able to be hidden. 1 Timothy 5:3-25, Berean Literal Bible. Public domain.
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