1 Timothy 5:13 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

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. And withal they learn to be idle - They do not love work, and they will not work.

Wandering about from house to house - Gadding, gossiping; never contented with home; always visiting.

And not only idle - If it went no farther, this would be intolerable; but they are tattlers - tale-bearers; whisperers; light, trifling persons; all noise and no work.

Busybodies - Persons who meddle with the concerns of others; who mind every one's business but their own.

Speaking things which they ought not - Lies, slanders, calumnies; backbiting their neighbors, and everywhere sowing the seed of dissension.

1 Timothy 5:13

13 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.