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A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband.[a] 10 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly?[b] Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?

11 The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry.

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Footnotes

  1. 5:9 Greek was the wife of one husband.
  2. 5:10 Greek and washed the feet of God’s holy people?

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds,(A) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,(B) washing the feet(C) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble(D) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As 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.

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