1 Timothy 5:3-16 - The Support Of Widows

³ Honor widows that are truly widows. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show righteousness towards their own family, and to repay their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ⁵ Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in supplications and prayers day and night. ⁶ But she that gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. ⁷ Command these things that they may be without reproach. ⁸ If any do not provide for his own, and specially his own household, he denies the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ Let a widow be put on the list if she is under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ having a good reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. ¹¹ Refuse younger widows: for when their sexual impulses come between them and Christ, they desire to marry. ¹² They have judgment, because they have rejected their first pledge. ¹³ They also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossipers and busybodies, speaking things that they should not. ¹⁴ I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling. ¹⁵ Some have already turned aside after Satan. ¹⁶ If any woman that believes has dependant widows, she must assist them and not let the congregation be burdened. Then it can assist those who are actually widows.