My Bible study and understanding of Titus 2 continues…

Titus 2:6-10, KJV

[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

又劝少年人要谨守。

[7] In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

你自己凡事要显出善行的榜样，在教训上要正直，端庄，

[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemmed; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil things to say of you.

言语纯全，无可指责，叫那反对的人，既无处可说我们的不是，便自觉羞愧。

[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own mastersm and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

劝仆人要顺服自己的主人，凡事讨他的喜欢；不可顶撞他。

[10] Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

不可私拿东西，要显为忠诚，以致凡事尊荣我们救主神的道。

Verse [6] was an advice given to younger men in ancient Greek society to be self-controlled. In those days, the role of the husband/father was not viewed as a nurturing role, but merely a functional one. Even in modern days, many young men have been raised in families where the father neglected his responsibilities to his wife and children. Husbands and fathers (including myself) are reminded and adviced to be good examples of Christian living in their families so as to be extremely important role models for young men (and my children) who need to see how it is done more than to be told how to do it.

In Verse [7], Paul urged Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others might see his good deeds and imitate him. His life would give his words greater impact. If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself. Then you will earn the right to be heard. God instructs young men to do good works in every day and demonstrate sincerity, integrity and dignity in their traits. Dignity is surely not measured by how much you earned and how wealthy you are.

In Verse [8], Paul counseled Titus to be “sound” (sensible and reasonable) in his conversation, to avoid criticism. Such conversation comes from careful Bible study and listening before speaking. This is especially important when teaching or sharing with others about spiritual or moral issues. If we are impulsive, unreasonable and confusing, we are likely to start arguments rather than to listen and convince people of the truth.

Slavery was common in Paul’s day (Verses [9] and [10]). Paul did not condemn slavery in any of his letters, but he advised slaves and masters to be loving and responsible in their conduct. The standards set by Paul apply to any employee/employer relationship. Employees must reject pilfering (purloining), but should always do their best work and be trustworthy, not just when the employer is watching. If all Christian employees followed Paul’s advice, what a transformation it would make!

In conclusion, God knows how to rescue the godly from their trials, and to reserve the unrighteous for punishment at the day of judgment (2 Peter 2:9).