³ Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.^{(A) 4} But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,^(B) for this is pleasing to God.^{(C) 5} The widow who is really in need^(D) and left all alone puts her hope in God^(E) and continues night and day to pray^(F) and to ask God for help. ⁶ But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.^{(G) 7} Give the people these instructions,^(H) so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸ Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied^(I) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,