| 1 | But [as for] you, teach what is fitting
and
becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians]. |
| 2 | Urge the older men to be temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, and in the steadfastness
and
patience [of Christ]. |
| 3 | Bid the older women similarly to be reverent
and
devout in their deportment as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel
and
be teachers of what is right
and
noble, |
| 4 | So that they will wisely train the young women to be
[a]sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children, |
| 5 | To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting
and
subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited). |
| 6 | In a similar way, urge the younger men to be self-restrained
and
to behave prudently [taking life seriously]. |
| 7 | And show your own self in all respects to be a pattern
and
a model of good deeds
and
works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity [having the strictest regard for truth and purity of motive], with dignity
and
seriousness. |
| 8 | And let your instruction be sound
and
fit
and
wise
and
wholesome, vigorous
and
[b]irrefutable
and
above censure, so that the opponent may be put to shame, finding nothing discrediting
or
evil to say about us. |
| 9 | [Tell] bond servants to be submissive to their masters, to be pleasing
and
give satisfaction in every way. [Warn them] not to talk back
or
contradict, |
| 10 | Nor to steal by taking things of small value, but to prove themselves truly loyal
and
entirely reliable
and
faithful throughout, so that in everything they may be an ornament
and
do credit to the teaching [which is] from
and
about God our Savior. |
| 11 | For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin
and
the eternal salvation for all mankind. |
| 12 | It has trained us to reject
and
renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, |
| 13 | Awaiting
and
looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), |
| 14 | Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager
and
enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. |
| 15 | Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise
or
disregard
or
think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect]. |
Cross references:
-
Titus 2:14 : Deut. 14:2; Ps. 130:8; Ezek. 37:23.
|