Sound Doctrine

1But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine. 2Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance. 3In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine. They must teach what is good, 4in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God.

6In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. 7In all things you yourself must be an example of good behaviour. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. 8Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.

9Slaves are to submit to their masters and please them in all things. They must not answer them back 10or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Saviour in all they do.

11For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of the whole human race. 12That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ2.13 our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; or the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. will appear. 142.14: Ps 130.8; Ex 19.5; Deut 4.20; 7.6; 14.2; 1 Pet 2.9He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.

15Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.