1 Timothy 5:3–10

³Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.^{j 4}But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,^k for this is pleasing to God.^{l 5}The widow who is really in need^m and left all alone puts her hope in Godⁿ and continues night and day to pray^o and to ask God for help. ⁶But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.^{p 7}Give the people these instructions,^q 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^r 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,^s such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,^t washing the feet^u of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble^v and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.