Wandering Widows

1 Timothy 5:11-16    
11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

After setting the standards for care of older widows who are of good reputation, the scriptures now address what to do with younger widows.  They are not to be supported by the church, because they may walk away from their Lord and desire another husband over trust to live for God.  They then might not work but become idle in thought and word as well, talking badly of others and gossiping, “saying things which they ought not.”  There is no caveat given to take in the younger widows, but advice is given for them to rather remarry, have children, and manage the household well.  Then the adversary cannot accuse rightly of the wrong they may fall into without a strong faith nor lead them into following the evil one as in Eden.  Certainly they can rather work and not be idle in hand or mouth, but this still means the church is not to support them if they can do so themselves without another husband, for this passage is about supporting widows.  This passage concludes with everyone first taking care of their own family who are widows so as to not burden the church for those without family to care for them.