Honoring True Widows

(Ruth 1:1–5)

Honor [the] widows who [are] truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to [their] own family and repay [their] parents, for this is pleasing[fn] in the sight of God.

5 

[The widow] who [is] truly [in need] and left all alone puts [her] hope in God and continues night and day in [her] petitions and prayers. 6 But she who lives for pleasure is dead [even while she] is still alive.

7 

Give these instructions [to the believers] so that they will be above reproach. 8 If anyone vvv does not provide for [his] own, and especially [his own] household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 

A widow should be enrolled if she is vvv [at least] sixty years [old], faithful to her husband, 10 [and] well known for good deeds [such as] bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing [the] feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, [and] devoting herself to every good work.

11 

But refuse [to enroll] younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry, 12 [and thus] will incur judgment because they are setting aside [their] first faith. 13 At the same time vvv they will also learn [to be] idle, going from house to house and {being} not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not [ mention ].

14 

So I advise [the] younger [widows] to marry, have children, [and] manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. 15 For some vvv have already turned aside to follow Satan.

16 

If any believing [man] or believing [woman] has [dependent] widows, they must assist[fn] them and not {allow} the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows [who are] truly [ in need ].

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