Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

He teaches Timothy how he should conduct himself in rebuking all degrees of persons, and gives a direction concerning widows.

5 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; and the younger men as brethren, ² the older women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all pureness. ³ Honour widows that are true widows. ⁴ If any widows have children or grandchildren, let them learn first to take godly responsibility in their own families, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and pleasing before God.

⁵ She who is a real widow and friendless puts her trust in God, and continues in supplication and prayer night and day. ⁶ But she who lives in pleasure is dead even while alive. ⁷ And instruct these things, so that the people may be without fault. ⁸ But if there be anyone who does not provide for his own, and particularly for those of his household, the same denies the faith, and is worse than an infidel.