The phrase that begins the second chapter of Paul’s letter to Titus is important. “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (2:1, NKJV). Here are a few other versions: “But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine” (ASV); “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine” (ESV); “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (KJV). Consider the word used in each version to translate the Greek phrase (hos prepo): which are proper for; which befit; what accords with; which become.”
The word (prepo) is defined by Thayer as: to be becoming, seemly, fit (as it is used in our context).
So what did Paul tell Timothy to say to the disciples, things which would be becoming to, to be seemly or appropriate, as it regards sound doctrine or teaching? Interestingly, his words were about the characteristics and actions of those who belong to the Lord.
In other words, it is appropriate for those who hold to the truths of God to be and act in a specific way. Christians are to walk the walk and talk the talk. It is hard to exaggerate the amount of damage a Christian can do if he is shown to be lacking in character, or to be doing things that run contrary to what is right and righteous.
So, what kind of people did Paul want Christians to be, that God’s word will be adorned correctly? He starts out with the older men in verse 2 of the text: sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love and patience. Old men can be lacking in love. They can grow faint, and falter in the face of conflict. They can be quickly angered, speaking harshly when the tongue should be held. All of this would be unbecoming to sound doctrine. Put simply an older man should act with maturity, love and steadfastness.
The older women are dealt with as well, in verses 3 through 5. Their behavior should also be reverent, they must not slander in speech, be abstinent and be willing teachers of the younger women. This indicates the need for a good example on the part of the older women, as they have a special responsibility in sharing their wisdom and knowledge with the younger generation of mothers and wives.
Which brings us to the younger women in verses 4 and 5, who should be attentive to the wisdom of their elders. As those who have gone before tell them why and how to love their husbands and children, and the need for chastity and discretion, by incorporating these lessons they will grow more spiritually minded. Practical lessons about homemaking, submission and good behavior will keep them from sin.
Notice the phrase in verse 5 of the text. The young ladies are to behave this way, “that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” This is the opposite of what we alluded to before, “the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” God wants us to live in such a way as to bring glory to God’s word, not to lead others to speak evil of it.
Young men are next up, in verses 6 through 8. They are to be sober-minded, characterized by good works, showing integrity or uprightness in their handling of God’s word. Having speech that is in accord with righteousness, so that it can’t be condemned, so that outsiders will only have good things to say about them. Youth brings challenges. A lack of maturity can lead young men to be sowers of wild oats, to be tossed to and fro by false doctrine, to be either harsh or unthinking in their speech, and to make foolish mistakes that can harm their influence.
Finally, the great apostle references the responsibilities of bondservants in verses 9 and 10. They are to be obedient to their masters, to strive to please them, to be respectful in speech, and to refrain from theft. It is a matter of faithfulness to God that leads them to be faithful in their service to their earthly master. Again, this is so that “they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
God wants us to live in such a way as to give Him glory. Jesus made that clear in His sermon on the mount. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
It is not only what God wants, it is what he requires. Consider it an obligation that is commensurate with the great gift of redemption. Immediately after these instructions, Paul ends with these words:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
The final words of Paul on the subject show this to be something more than a suggestion. He wrote, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you” (Titus 2:15).
People today don’t want to be told how to live their lives. They certainly don’t want to be rebuked when they fail to live up to God’s standard. Regardless, Titus was to teach, and if necessary, rebuke. He was not to be intimidated. He was to do his work. It is important that every one of us “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
