9 Let no woman be numbered among the widows who is under sixty years old, and only if she has been the wife of one man, 10 And if witness is given of her good works; if she has had the care of children, if she has been kind to travellers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those who are in trouble, giving herself to good works. 11 But to the younger widows say No: for when their love is turned away from Christ, they have a desire to be married; 12 And they are judged because they have been false to their first faith; 13 And they get into the way of doing no work, going about from house to house; and not only doing no work, but talking foolishly, being over-interested in the business of others, saying things which they have no right to say. 14 So it is my desire that the younger widows may be married and have children, controlling their families, and giving the Evil One no chance to say anything against them, 15 For even now some are turned away to Satan. 16 If any woman of the faith has relations who are widows, let her give them help, so that the care of them does not come on the church, and so it may give help to those who are truly widowed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:9-16
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.