I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Younger (women) - rather 'the younger widows,' as distinguished from the older widows taken on the roll of presbyteresses (1 Timothy 5:9). The "therefore" means, seeing that young widows are exposed to such temptations, 'I desire,' etc. Paul here desires re-marriage: above, it was the widows whose will it was to re-marry (1 Timothy 5:11-13). The precept that they should marry again is not inconsistent with 1 Corinthians 7:26; 1 Corinthians 7:40; for the circumstances were distinct. Here re-marriage is recommended as an antidote to sexual passion, idleness, and the other evils (1 Timothy 5:11-13). Where there was no tendency to these, marriage again would not be as requisite: Paul speaks of what is generally desirable when there is danger of such evils. 'He does not impose a law, but points out a remedy' (Chrysostom).
Bear children (1 Timothy 2:15) - gaining one of the qualifications (1 Timothy 5:10) for being afterward a presbyteress widow, should Providence ordain it.
Guide, х oikodespotein (G3616)] - 'rule the house in the woman's due place: not usurping authority over the man (1 Timothy 2:12).
Give none occasion, х aformeen (G874)] - 'starting-point:' handle of reproach through inconsistent conduct.
The adversary - of Christianity, Jew or Gentile (Philippians 1:28; Titus 2:8). Not Satan, introduced in a different relation (1 Timothy 5:15).
To speak reproachfully - literally, 'for the sake of reproach' (1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:5; Titus 2:10). If the handle were given, the adversary would use it for the sake of reproach: he is eager to exaggerate the faults of a few, and lay the blame on the whole Church and its doctrines (Bengel).