12. If they do that, they will be judged. They have broken their first promise.
13. Besides, they get into the habit of having nothing to do. They go around from house to house. They waste time. They talk about others. They bother people. They say things they shouldn't say.
14. So here is the advice I give to younger widows. Get married. Have children. Take care of your own homes. Don't give the enemy the chance to tell lies about you.
15. In fact, some have already turned away to follow Satan.
16. Suppose a woman is a believer and has widows in her family. She should help them. She shouldn't let the church pay the expenses. Then the church can help the widows who really need it.
17. The elders who do the church's work well are worth twice as much honor. That is true in a special way of elders who preach and teach.
18. Scripture says, "Do not stop the ox from eating while it helps separate the grain from the straw." (Deuteronomy 25:4) Scripture also says, "Workers are worthy of their pay." (Luke 10:7)
19. Don't believe a charge against an elder unless two or three witnesses bring it.
20. Elders who sin should be corrected in front of the other believers. That will be a warning to the others.