¹¹ As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.

¹⁴ So I counsel younger widows to marry,^(A) to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.^(B)

⁵ You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves^(A) in the day of slaughter.^[a](B)

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

³ They forbid people to marry^(A) and order them to abstain from certain foods,^(B) which God created^(C) to be received with thanksgiving^(D) by those who believe and who know the truth.

³⁹ A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives.^(A) But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.^{(B) 40} In my judgment,^(C) she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.