manifest faith, love and soundness of mind.

As mentioned, Paul was discussing the proper frame of mind and duties for women. In the congregation their attitude should be one of submissiveness, recognizing that they are not to try to exercise authority over adult males. Exemplifying the difficulties that can result when a woman does not recognize her position, the apostle cites Eve’s case. She ran ahead of Adam, was deceived and came to be in transgression.—1 Tim. 2:11-14.

Later in this same letter Paul cautioned Christian women about their activities. Some of the younger widows were “unoccupied, gadding about to the houses; yes, not only unoccupied, but also gossipers and meddlers in other people’s affairs, talking of things they ought not.” These activities could lead to all sorts of trouble, including getting involved in giving advice and making decisions on matters that were properly the responsibilities of husbands or appointed servants in the congregation. How could those younger widows be kept safe from such dangers? Paul said that one way was “to marry, to bear children, to manage a household.”—1 Tim. 5:11-15.

Hence, when he wrote that women would be “kept safe through childbearing,” he meant that they should be occupied with worthwhile activities. By managing a household and giving of themselves in training their children, which are valuable roles for which women have marvelous God-given abilities, they would probably be kept safe and out of the snares that trap untheocratic women. And these duties would nicely complement their activities in God’s service, helping them to “continue in faith and love and sanctification.”

Women who are not married or who do not have children, as well as Christian men, can learn from the principle of this inspired admonition: We all need to be on guard to see that we are profitably occupied. God’s Word advises each of us: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.”—Eph. 5:15, 16.

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