Study Desk

Honor widows who are ^(d)widows indeed;

but if any widow has children or grandchildren, ^(e)they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to ^[a]make some return to their parents; for this is ^(f)acceptable in the sight of God.

Now she who is a ^(g)widow indeed and who has been left alone, ^(h)has fixed her hope on God and continues in ⁽ⁱ⁾entreaties and prayers night and day.

But she who ^(j)gives herself to wanton pleasure is ^(k)dead even while she lives.

^[b](l)Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has ^(m)denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

A widow is to be ⁽ⁿ⁾put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been ^(o)the wife of one man,

having a reputation for ^(p)good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has ^(q)shown hospitality to strangers, if she ^(r)has washed the ^[c]saints' feet, if she has ^(s)assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel ^(t)sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,

thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous ^[d]pledge.

At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also ^(u)gossips and ^(v)busybodies, talking about ^(w)things not proper to mention.

Therefore, I want younger widows to get ^(x)married, bear children, ^(y)keep house, and ^(z)give the enemy no occasion for reproach;

for some ^(aa)have already turned aside to follow ^(ab)Satan.

If any woman who is a believer ^(ac)has dependent widows, she must ^(ad)assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are ^(ae)widows indeed.