8. But if anyone has no concern for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he has denied the faith, and he is worse than an unbeliever.
9. Let a widow be chosen who is no less than sixty years of age, who was the wife of one husband,
10. who has testimony of her good works: whether she has educated children, or has provided hospitality, or has washed the feet of the saints, or has ministered to those suffering tribulation, or has pursued any kind of good work.
11. But avoid the younger widows. For once they have flourished in Christ, they will want to marry,
12. resulting in damnation, because they have disregarded the primacy of faith.
13. And being at the same time also idle, they learn to go from house to house, being not only idle, but also talkative and curious, speaking of things which do not concern them.
14. Therefore, I want the younger women to marry, to procreate children, to be mothers of families, to provide no ready opportunity for the adversary to speak evil.
15. For certain ones have already been turned back to Satan.
16. If any among the faithful have widows, let him minister to them and not burden the Church, so that there may be enough for those who are true widows.
17. Let priests who lead well be held worthy of twice the honor, especially those who labor in the Word and in doctrine.
18. For Scripture says: "You shall not muzzle an ox as it is treading out the grain," and, "The worker is worthy of his pay."
19. Do not be willing to accept an accusation against a priest, except under two or three witnesses.
20. Reprove sinners in the sight of everyone, so that the others may have fear.