A serious-minded man, fearing God with all his family; he gave much money to the poor, and made prayer to God at all times.

And one of them, named Agabus, said publicly through the Spirit that there would be serious need of food all over the earth: which came about in the time of Claudius.

Now these were more noble than the Jews of Thessalonica, for they gave serious attention to the word, searching in the holy Writings every day, to see if these things were so.

And when he came, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem came round him, and made all sorts of serious statements against him, which were not supported by the facts.

He who has the power of comforting, let him do so; he who gives, let him give freely; he who has the power of ruling, let him do it with a serious mind; he who has mercy on others, let it be with joy.

For if we are foolish, it is to God; or if we are serious, it is for you.

For you see what care was produced in you by this very sorrow of yours before God, what clearing of yourselves, what wrath against sin, what fear, what desire, what serious purpose, what punishment. In everything you have made it clear that you are free from sin in this business.

But let us, who are of the day, be serious, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and on our heads, the hope of salvation.

For kings and all those in authority; so that we may have a calm and quiet life in all fear of God and serious behaviour.

And that women may be dressed in simple clothing, with a quiet and serious air; not with twisted hair and gold or jewels or robes of great price;

The Bishop, then, is to be a man of good name, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, serious-minded, having respect for order, opening his house freely to guests, a ready teacher;

Ruling his house well, having his children under control with all serious behaviour;

Deacons, in the same way, are to be serious in their behaviour, not false in word, not given to taking much wine or greatly desiring the wealth of this world;

Women are to be serious in behaviour, saying no evil of others, controlling themselves, true in all things.

But opening his house freely to guests; a lover of what is good, serious-minded, upright, holy, self-controlled;

That old men are to be simple in their tastes, serious, wise, true in faith, in love, and of a quiet mind.

To the young men give orders to be wise and serious-minded:

In all things see that you are an example of good works; holy in your teaching, serious in behaviour,

And without faith it is not possible to be well-pleasing to him, for it is necessary for anyone who comes to God to have the belief that God is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who make a serious search for him.

But the end of all things is near: so be serious in your behaviour and keep on the watch with prayer;

I who am myself one of the rulers of the church, and a witness of the death of Christ, having my part in the coming glory, send this serious request to the chief men among you:

Be serious and keep watch; the Evil One, who is against you, goes about like a lion with open mouth in search of food;