if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.