1 Timothy 5:14-15 14Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, manage the house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15for some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
After the don’t list, Paul now gives the do list for young widows. He gives his authoritative opinions that should lead to a better outcome for these widows. They should devote themselves to these activities. The first on the list is to get married. Remaining single while young has the potential of creating problems due to the implied temptations behind verse 11. God created us to be in relationship with others, and the greatest relationship we can have in this world is in marriage. A young woman who was once married has experienced the deep joys and fulfillment of being married. Without a husband, she may seek out relationships that are not wholesome and pleasing to God.
Second, they should bear children. By doing this, they would keep themselves from sin and open themselves to God’s saving grace (2:15). Raising children is a better use of time than being busybodies and gossips.
Third, they needed to take care of their families and homes. Women had a significant role in the Greco-Roman households of the time. In many cultures throughout history, women have had important roles in the home. All three of these instructions are highly cultural but have much wisdom for helping young widows avoid temptation and sin and live productive lives for God.
Paul returns to the negative by warning young widows about the enemy, who is named in verse 15 as Satan. Reproach (loidorias) is slander or verbal insults or abuse. The implied givers of this ridicule are those inside or, more likely, outside the church who saw how the young widows were living. Going against wholesome cultural practices could raise many questions in people’s minds and destroy any positive influence and testimony these young women had. Sadly, Paul had learned that some of the young widows had already departed from these good practices and fallen prey to the traps of Satan. This was an urgent situation that could destroy the lives of these women and harm the witness of the church.
Not all cultural practices are good or healthy. Many women are suppressed and abused by their home situations. But in a loving family and home life, having agreed upon roles and responsibilities can help all family members grow in their faith in Christ.
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