7. And these things enjoin, that they may be irreproachable.
8. But if any one does not provide for his own, and specially for those of his house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than the unbeliever.
9. Let a widow be put upon the list, being of not less than sixty years, having been wife of one man,
10. borne witness to in good works, if she have brought up children, if she have exercised hospitality, if she have washed saints' feet, if she have imparted relief to the distressed, if she have diligently followed every good work.
11. But younger widows decline; for when they grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
12. being guilty, because they have cast off their first faith.
13. And, at the same time, they learn also to be idle, going about to people's houses; and not only idle, but also gossipers and meddlers, speaking things not becoming.
14. I will therefore that the younger marry, bear children, rule the house, give no occasion to the adversary in respect of reproach.
15. For already some have turned aside after Satan.
16. If any believing man or woman have widows, let them impart relief to them, and let not the assembly be charged, that it may impart relief to those that are widows indeed.
17. Let the elders who take the lead among the saints well be esteemed worthy of double honour, specially those labouring in word and teaching;