3 Honor widows who are widows indeed ; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren , they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents ; for this is acceptable in the sight of God . 5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone , has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day . 6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives . 7 Prescribe these things as well , so that they may be above reproach . 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own , and especially for those of his household , he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever . 9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man , 10 having a reputation for good works ; and if she has brought up children , if she has shown hospitality to strangers , if she has washed the saints' feet , if she has assisted those in distress , and if she has devoted herself to every good work . 11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ , they want to get married , 12 thus incurring condemnation , because they have set aside their previous pledge . 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle , as they go around from house to house ; and not merely idle , but also gossips and busybodies , talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore , I want younger widows to get married , bear children , keep house , and give the enemy no occasion for reproach ; 15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan . 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows , she must assist them and the church must not be burdened , so that it may assist those who are widows indeed .
17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor , especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching . 18 For the Scripture says , " YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING ," and " The laborer is worthy of his wages ." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except e on the basis of two or three witnesses . 20 Those who continue in sin , rebuke in the presence of all , so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels , to maintain these principles without bias , doing nothing in a spirit of partiality . 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others ; keep yourself free from sin . 23 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments . 24 The sins of some men are quite evident , going before them to judgment ; for others , their sins follow after . 25 Likewise also , deeds that are good are quite evident , and those which are otherwise cannot e be concealed .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:3-25
Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:3-8
(Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8)
Honour widows that are widows indeed, relieve them, and maintain them. It is the duty of children, if their parents are in need, and they are able to relieve them, to do it to the utmost of their power. Widowhood is a desolate state; but let widows trust in the Lord, and continue in prayer. All who live in pleasure, are dead while they live, spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins. Alas, what numbers there are of this description among nominal Christians, even to the latest period of life! If any men or women do not maintain their poor relations, they in effect deny the faith. If they spend upon their lusts and pleasures, what should maintain their families, they have denied the faith, and are worse than infidels. If professors of the gospel give way to any corrupt principle or conduct, they are worse than those who do not profess to believe the doctrines of grace.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:9-16
(Read 1 Timothy 5:9-16)
Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:17-25
(Read 1 Timothy 5:17-25)
Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer. The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any way helping to it in others. The apostle also charges Timothy to take care of his health. As we are not to make our bodies masters, so neither slaves; but to use them so that they may be most helpful to us in the service of God. There are secret, and there are open sins: some men's sins are open before-hand, and going before unto judgment; some they follow after. God will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make known the counsels of all hearts. Looking forward to the judgment-day, let us all attend to our proper offices, whether in higher or lower stations, studying that the name and doctrine of God may never be blasphemed on our account.