Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 5:6

"But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth." — 1 Timothy 5:6 (ASV)

In contrast with that picture is this statement: But the widow who lives luxuriously or self-indulgently “is dead even while she lives.” 7–8 Timothy is to “give the people these instructions.” The purpose of the instruction is that they may be not “open to blame” (lit., “irreproachable”; GK 455).

Paul goes on with strong words on this matter of caring for the needy. Those who do not “provide for” (lit., “think of beforehand”; GK 4629) their own relatives, especially those of their own immediate family, fall below the best heathen standard of family affection and are more blameworthy, for they have not followed what they have been taught about the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ.