Jesus warns against scribes who enjoy public honor while 'devouring widows' houses.' The contrast is deliberate: socially respected religious experts are accused of consuming the resources of people who could be among the most vulnerable members of society.
The accusation gives economic substance to Jesus' criticism of ostentatious piety.
In a household economy where property and legal standing were strongly structured around male kin, widowhood could leave a woman economically exposed, although individual widows varied greatly in wealth and support. Scripture repeatedly commands protection of widows alongside orphans and resident foreigners.
The Gospel does not specify one mechanism by which the houses were 'devoured.' Possibilities proposed by interpreters should therefore not be turned into certainty. The charge itself clearly describes predatory loss associated with religious leaders.
The social context makes the juxtaposition with long prayers especially severe. Public displays of devotion can coexist with exploitation of those whom God's law repeatedly commands his people to protect.
Jesus measures religious leadership not by robes, greetings, or lengthy prayers but by faithfulness—including the treatment of people with less power.