Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV) But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
V1 “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine…” This is the priority, the first importance. The Greek word for “sound” is (G5198) ὑγιαίνω hygiaínō, which means healthy and incorruptable. It is the meeting of a standard of health or Biblical doctrine. Doctrine is important. See 1 Timothy 4:13-16.
V2 “…that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience…” Paul first teaches the older men. Sober has the idea of being clear minded, clear headed, rather than a clouded mind. The idea of wisdom is having experience. Knowledge (knowing the facts) and understanding (the how’s and why’s of the facts) lead to wisdom. But wisdom, still needs experience. Elderly men should have knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to speak and teach others in clear terms and directions and to encourage those who are younger and inexperienced. The Greek word for “reverent” is (G4586) σεμνός semnós, which means honorable character. Thus, one would expect from an older person including having wisdom to act wisely and honorably. Temperate is self-control. All parents need to start teaching their children self-control as early as possible. Sound in faith means they know and speak true doctrine. Their words and life should be honorable in three areas especially: faith (believing God), love (loyalty, kindness, etc.), and patience.
V3 “…the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good thing…” Paul then addresses the older women regarding their behavor. The older women should be honorable, admired, and respected. Truth not slander should not come out of their mouth. Using wine but not under its influence. Since they have many life experiences, they should teach and be available to counsel those who are younger.
V4 “…that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children…” One specific experience they need to teach in good family order. Teaching women, by example, to love their husbands. This doesn’t mean to show love to abusers; the best advice they could give then is to leave. It is natural to love your children, but sometimes it might be difficult. When husband and wife love each other, it gives incentive and example for those who are younger, strengthens society, strengthens the church, strengthens the family, etc.
Some quotes:
Barclay (beware): “E. F. Brown goes on to say: “Old women play a very important part in society–how large a part one does not realize, till one witnesses a social life from which they are almost absent. Kindly grandmothers and sweet charitable old maids are the natural advisers of the young of both sexes.” The older women to whom the years have brought serenity and sympathy and understanding have a part to play in the life of the Church and of the community which is peculiarly their own.”
John Rosemond: “Nothing puts a more solid foundation of well-being under a child than the knowledge that his parents are in a committed union, a relationship that obviously transcends in both quality and quantity of either their relationships with him. God did not intend for married couples to be parents first, husband and wife second. That’s why the marriage vow reads “…‘til death do us part” and not “…‘til children do us part.” Spend the majority of your time at home as husband and wife. Carve time out of each day for each other without the interruption of children (this is why I advocate for early bedtimes).
SINGLE PARENTS: This principle applies to you, too. Make yourself interesting to your kids. Don’t hesitate to go out with your friends, do your hobbies, explore your passions. Single parents need relationships, recreations, and responsibilities that offset the potential perils of over-focusing on the kids.
(The above does not apply to the labor-intensive nature of the child’s first two years of life.)”
V5 “…to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” The Greek word for “discreet” is (G4998) σώφρων sṓphrōn, which means (Thayer) “curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate.” The Greek word for “chaste” is (G53) ἁγνός hagnós, which means being dedicated to God and honoring Him, thus pure, holy, righteous attitudes, words, and behavior. It is a purity that the Lord Jesus exhibited in His earthly ministry (1 John 3:3). Men are to be pure also.
Another character trait is to be a homemaker, that is, the one in charge of the house, meals, etc. Sometimes in today’s society this can be difficult, but our sisters need to do so as best as they can. There is no hint here of slavery in the home. The culture Paul and Titus lived in would not have any issues about this. The woman in Proverbs 31 was a delegator, industrious, organizer, and business minded. Paul begins the topic of “submission” in Ephesians with the words of mutual submission. Ephesians 5:21-22 (WEB) “…subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
Good = meeting God’s standards for everything in our lives body, soul, and spirit. Obedient to their own husbands contrasting to obedient to church leaders, traveling preachers, or other men. Obviously, if one has a job for pay, one must follow the directions of their supervisor.
All believers need to lead lives that do not blaspheme God or His word. The Greek word for blaspheme is (G987) βλασφημέω blasphēméō, which means any smear on God’s character, words, actions, decisions, etc. Compare 1 Timothy 6:1, Romans 14:14-17 (evil spoken of = same word blaspheme), 1 Timothy 1:20.
See Matthew 5:8, 2 Timothy 2:22, Colossians 3:5, and Galatians 5:24.
V6 “Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded…” Being sober minded is not to be impulsive, reckless, chasing pleasures instead of godliness. The change in thinking is from God’s assisting grace.
V7 “…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility…” The pastor must set the example. We are not to judge the pastor who is not perfect any more than we are. Nevertheless, the standard of behavior, as people view church leaders must be blameless.
V8 “…sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” The words coming out of our mouth must be true, so it will not be condemned by God. Let us be careful what we say. God help us.
V9 “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back…” This is for a testimony of God’s way of life. Pray for them also, Do not sass or argue.
V10 “…not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Do not steal from your employer, supervisor, or anyone. We need to be trustworthy, responsible, and faithful.