1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. (Titus 2:1-10 KJV)
Teach Sound Doctrine
In the previous chapter, Paul instructed Titus on church organization and leadership. Here, he urges him to carry out his own ministry faithfully. Ordaining others to preach did not excuse Titus from preaching himself, nor was his duty limited to ministers; he must also guide ordinary Christians in daily life. Against false teachers who spread fables and useless talk, Paul commands, “Speak the things consistent with sound doctrine”—truths that align with God’s pure word and nourish believers for eternal life.
The gospel’s teachings are sound because they are holy in nature and produce holiness in believers. They strengthen the soul for God’s service. Ministers, therefore, must teach what is true and beneficial. If ordinary believers are to speak edifying words (Ephesians 4:29), how much more must ministers ensure their preaching is pure and useful. They must apply sound doctrine to all kinds of people—old and young, men and women, masters and servants—teaching each according to age, role, and situation in life.
Older men must conduct themselves in a way that truly fits their Christian calling: sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, and in patience. They cannot let the frailties of age excuse self-indulgence or intemperance. They should be composed, steady, and set an example of moderation, rejecting levity and vanity. They must be prudent, governing their passions, and steadfast in faith, resisting corrupt new ideas. True maturity means being rich in grace—a renewed inner life even as the body declines. Their faith should express itself through sincere love for God and for people, and they must demonstrate patience, calmly enduring difficulties and waiting on God. Soundness in these three key graces—faith, love, and patience—marks true gospel maturity.
Older women must likewise live reverently, showing holiness in speech, appearance, and behavior. Their outward manner should reflect inward devotion. Scripture gives broad guidance for conduct: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) and “Whatever is true, pure, lovely, and of good report—think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). They must not be slanderers or gossips, for backbiting destroys peace and imitates the devil, whose name means “slanderer.” Nor must they be addicted to wine, a fault common in Greek culture. Instead, they are to be teachers of good—by private counsel and godly example, not as public preachers. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26).
Younger women: we see that older women have special access and influence to instruct the younger women, especially concerning their duties toward their husbands and children. Younger women should be taught by the older to love their husbands and children, to be sober, discreet, chaste, and diligent at home. Discretion guards chastity; many have fallen by carelessness and vanity. “Discretion shall preserve you” (Proverbs 2:11). They should avoid idleness and wandering from home, which leads to gossip and sin (1 Timothy 5:13-14).
Younger women must be kind, helpful, and charitable—like Dorcas, “full of good works and almsdeeds.” True love makes obedience easy. God ordained order in marriage: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church. Such submission is not slavery but loving cooperation that reflects divine order.
They must also love their children wisely—not with blind indulgence, but with disciplined affection that nurtures godliness. These duties ensure that “the word of God is not blasphemed” (Titus 2:5). When Christians neglect family responsibilities, unbelievers despise the faith. The world judges the gospel by the conduct of its followers.
Young men must be sober-minded. Youth is prone to pride, haste, and passion, so they should be urged to humility, patience, and teachability. Pride ruins many more than pleasure or wealth. A thoughtful and disciplined spirit preserves from sin and sorrow, laying a foundation for lasting joy and usefulness. Those who live wisely in youth will find peace in old age and honor in eternity.
Paul adds personal counsel to Titus himself. He could not teach others effectively unless he lived what he preached. “In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7). Ministers must not only teach good works but exemplify them; otherwise, they undo with one hand what they build with the other. Example strengthens doctrine. “You who teach another, do you not teach yourself?” (Romans 2:21). People learn most powerfully by seeing faith in action. Ministers should live so that others can safely follow them as they follow Christ.
Paul also directs him about his doctrine: “In teaching, show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8). Preaching must aim at God’s glory and the salvation of souls, not self-display or ambition. The message should be plain, scriptural truth—speech that cannot be justly criticized. “Take heed to yourself and to your doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16). The minister’s life and teaching must agree, for by this both he and his hearers are saved. As Paul said, “You have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life…” (2 Timothy 3:10). When teaching aligns with Scripture and conduct with teaching, even opponents are silenced. “Those who speak against you as evildoers may, by your good works, glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).
Finally, Paul instructs servants, reminding them that their humble station does not exclude them from God’s care or commands. Serving earthly masters does not release them from serving their heavenly Master. They must perform their duties to men with an eye to God. “Servants, obey your masters with all respect, not only the good and gentle but also the harsh” (1 Peter 2:18). This obedience flows from God’s will and the position His providence has assigned, not from a master’s character.
Servants must also strive to please their masters in all lawful things—not absolutely, but always within the bounds of God’s commands. If a master’s order conflicts with God’s, they must obey God rather than man, but only with clear grounds. Their obedience should come from a desire to please God first. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Serving faithfully according to Christ’s will is service rendered to Christ Himself.
They must avoid being mere men-pleasers—seeking only human approval while disregarding God. True Christian servants serve from the heart, knowing that the Lord rewards every good done, whether bond or free (Ephesians 6:5-7). Christian liberty harmonizes with civil servitude; one may serve men and still be Christ’s free servant. “Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it… He who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman” (1 Corinthians 7:21-22).
Servants must not talk back or argue. They should receive correction humbly, without insolent replies. To excuse a fault only worsens it. Respectful answers may be proper at times, but proud or stubborn replies show a lack of meekness. They must also avoid stealing or wasting what belongs to their masters. Dishonesty toward an employer dulls conscience and invites ruin. Even under hardship, servants must trust God rather than take what is not theirs. Faithfulness requires honesty, diligence, and care for their master’s interests—managing resources wisely and preventing loss. “If you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:12).
The reason for these exhortations is clear: “That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:10). Even those in lowly positions can make the gospel beautiful by humble, faithful conduct. When unbelieving masters see that Christian servants are more obedient, honest, and diligent than others, they will respect the faith once despised. True religion honors its followers when they live it sincerely. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).