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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:3-8
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.