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.

13. withal—"at the same time, moreover."

learn—usually in a good sense. But these women's "learning" is idleness, trifling, and busybodies' tattle.

wandering—Greek, "going about."

from house to house—of the members of the Church (2Ti 3:6). "They carry the affairs of this house to that, and of that to this; they tell the affairs of all to all" [Theophylact].

tattlers—literally "trifling talkers." In 3Jo 10, translated "prating."

busybodies—mischievously busy; inconsiderately curious (2Th 3:11). Ac 19:19, "curious," the same Greek. Curiosity usually springs from idleness, which is itself the mother of garrulity [Calvin].

speaking—not merely "saying." The subject-matter, as well as the form, is involved in the Greek word [Alford].

which they ought not—(Tit 1:11).