5:13 {11} And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
(11) Another reason: because they are for the most part gossips and busybodies, and idly roving up and down, neglecting their charge and duty.
5:13 They learn to be idle. They have not that gravity which is required for this work of visitation and ministration laid upon the widows indeed (1Ti 5:3), but wander from house to house to gossip.
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.
