Sound Instruction and Consistent Behavior

2 But you, speak the things which are fitting for sound instruction. ² Older men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderous, not enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ⁴ in order that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, good, being subject to their own husbands, in order that the word of God may not be slandered. ⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be self-controlled, ⁷ concerning everything showing yourself to be an example of good deeds, in your teaching demonstrating soundness, dignity, ⁸ a sound message beyond reproach, in order that an opponent^[a] may be put to shame, because he^[b] has nothing bad to say concerning us.

⁹ Slaves must be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not to talk back, ¹⁰ not stealing, but demonstrating all good faith, in order that they may do credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything. ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, ¹² training us in order that, denying impiety and worldly desires, we may live self-controlled and righteously and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking forward to the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us, in order that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds. ¹⁵ Speak these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.