For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.

The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,

(Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses.)

and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them!

But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.

Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

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.