Show respect for widows who really are all alone.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn first to carry out their religious duties toward their own family and in this way repay their parents and grandparents, because that is what pleases God.

But do not include younger widows in the list; because when their desires make them want to marry, they turn away from Christ,

So I would prefer that the younger widows get married, have children, and take care of their homes, so as to give our enemies no chance of speaking evil of us.

There was a very old prophet, a widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple; day and night she worshiped God, fasting and praying.

(SEE 2:36)

A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife, be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;

A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well.

For married people I have a command which is not my own but the Lord's: a wife must not leave her husband;

but if she does, she must remain single or else be reconciled to her husband; and a husband must not divorce his wife.

A married woman is not free as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, then she is free to be married to any man she wishes, but only if he is a Christian.

She will be happier, however, if she stays as she is. That is my opinion, and I think that I too have God's Spirit.