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Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,
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well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
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But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
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having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.
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And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
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Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
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For some have already turned aside after Satan.
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If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
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Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
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For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
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Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.