1 Timothy 5:7-21

New International Version

⁷Give the people these instructions,^(A) so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied^(B) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, ¹⁰and 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.

¹¹As 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. ¹²Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. ¹³Besides, 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. ¹⁴So I counsel younger widows to marry,^(I) to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.^(J) ¹⁵Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.^(K)

¹⁶If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.^(L)

¹⁷The elders^(M) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,^(N) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”^[a]^(O) and “The worker deserves his wages.”^[b]^(P) ¹⁹Do not entertain an accusation against an elder^(Q) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.^(R) ²⁰But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove^(S) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.^(T) ²¹I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus^(U) and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.