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. (Titus 2:7-8 KJV)
Thomas Haweis
Verses 7-8: We have a particular direction for Titus himself, who, as a young man, should be the example of what he taught to his brethren. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works; practicing what he preached: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, declaring the pure unadulterated truth, and maintaining a single eye to God’s glory and the benefit of immortal souls; gravity, with all seriousness delivering his message, and with all sincerity; using sound speech that cannot be condemned, inculcating scripture truths in scripture language, and with such plainness and simplicity as that he that is of the contrary part, and would be glad to carp at and censure any ambiguous expression, may be ashamed of his malicious design, having no evil thing to say of you, finding no just charge of error in doctrine, or immorality in practice, to allege against you. Note, (1.) They who preach to others must by their practice prove that they believe themselves, else how can it be thought that others should credit them? (2.) Many watch for the halting of Christ’s ministers; and the knowledge of this should make them more watchful over all that they speak or do, that confusion may cover their malignant enemies.