They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently.

And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God.

Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach.

But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,

And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.

The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later.

In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.