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Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years old, married only once,
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with a reputation for good works, namely, that she has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the holy ones, helped those in distress, involved herself in every good work.
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But exclude younger widows, for when their sensuality estranges them from Christ, they want to marry
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So I would like younger widows to marry, have children, and manage a home, so as to give the adversary no pretext for maligning us.
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For some have already turned away to follow Satan.
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If any woman believer has widowed relatives, she must assist them; the church is not to be burdened, so that it will be able to help those who are truly widows. Rules for Presbyters.
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For the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is threshing,” and, “A worker deserves his pay.”
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Do not accept an accusation against a presbyter unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.
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Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid.
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Do not lay hands too readily on anyone, and do not share in another’s sins. Keep yourself pure.
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Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
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Some people’s sins are public, preceding them to judgment; but other people are followed by their sins.
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Similarly, good works are also public; and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
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Chapter 6
Rules for Slaves. Those who are under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and our teaching may not suffer abuse.
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Those whose masters are believers must not take advantage of them because they are brothers but must give better service because those who will profit from their work are believers and are beloved.
V. False Teaching and True Wealth
Teach and urge these things.
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Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching
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is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions,
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and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.
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For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
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If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
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For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. Exhortations to Timothy.
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But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
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to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ
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who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen. Right Use of Wealth.
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Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.