Anyone who used to steal must never steal again. Instead, they should work, doing something useful with their own hands, so that they will have something to share with people in need.
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good. Then they’ll be able to take care of people who have urgent needs, and they won’t be living useless lives.
If you suffer, it shouldn’t be because you’re a murderer or a thief or any other kind of criminal. It shouldn’t be because you interfere in other people’s business.
Besides, younger widows can get into the habit of being lazy and going around from house to house, wasting their time and bothering other people. They can talk nonsense and say things they shouldn’t.
In everything I did, I showed you that we must work hard and help the weak. We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
It’s like a man who goes away and puts his servants in charge of his house. He gives each one a task to do, and the one he leaves at the door he tells to keep watch.