Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Timothy 5:14

"I desire therefore that the younger [widows] marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:" — 1 Timothy 5:14 (ASV)

I will therefore. I give it as my opinion; or this is my counsel. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 7:6, 10, 40).

That the younger women marry. The word women is not expressed or necessarily implied in the original—neōteras—and it is evident that the apostle here had particular reference to widows, and that the injunction should be understood as relating to them. We are not to suppose that he gives this as an absolute and universal command, for it might not always be at the option of a widow to marry again, and it cannot be doubted that there may be cases where it would be unadvisable. But he speaks of this as a general rule. It is better for such persons to have domestic concerns that require their attention than to be exposed to the evils of an idle life. We may learn from this:

1. That second marriages are not improper or unlawful, but that in some circumstances they may be preferable to widowhood;

2. That marriage itself is in a high degree honourable. How different are the views of the inspired apostle Paul about marriage from those of the Papists!

Bear children, guide the house. These words signify, says Bloomfield, to “exercise and occupy themselves in the duties of a wife.” It is better to be employed in the duties growing out of the cares of a family than to lead a life of celibacy.

Give none occasion to the adversary. This refers to the enemy of religion—the heathen or the infidel.

To speak reproachfully. The marginal note says, for their railing. This means on account of a life that would bring no honour to religion. In the performance of domestic duties, when fully employed, they would avoid the evils specified in 1 Timothy 5:13. Everyone who professes religion should live in such a way as to give no occasion to an infidel, or a person of the world, to speak reproachfully of the cause of the Redeemer.