Titus 2

1 You however, should speak of such subjects as properly have a place in sound teaching.

But as for you [(sg)], teach [the believers] what agrees with the correct teachings.

2 Teach that the older men should be soberly clear minded, dignified and self-controlled – sound in faith, love, and patient endurance.

[Specifically, tell] the older men that they should control themselves (in all situations/whatever happens), [that they should behave in such a manner] that all people will respect them, and that they should control what they say and do. And tell them that they should firmly believe in the correct teachings, that they should sincerely love others, and that they should always be steadfast.

3 So, too, that the older women should live reverent lives, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking.

Similarly, [tell] the older women that they should behave (in a reverent manner that shows that they are devoted to God/in a manner that honors God); [specifically, they should] not (slander others/talk evil about others), and they should not (be drinking much/[habitually] drinking) [alcohol]. Tell them that they should teach [the younger women] what is good,

4 They should teach what is good, so as to train the younger women to love their husbands and children,

in order that they may love their husbands and their children.

5 and to be self-controlled, pure-minded, to be watching over their home, to be kind, respecting the authority of their husbands, so that no one will speak badly of God’s message.

Older women should teach younger women to control what they say and do and to be pure in every way, to be good workers at home and submissive to their own husbands. [The younger women should behave like this] in order that no one will speak against the message about God.

6 In the same way with the younger men – encourage them to be self-controlled.

As for the younger men, similarly, urge them to control themselves [in all that they say and do].

7 In all things, set an example of doing good. In your teaching, show integrity and seriousness –

You yourself must continually do what is good in order that others will see how they should behave. Teach [the believers] sincerely and seriously;

8 let the instruction that you give be sound and above reproach, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed when they fail to find anything bad to say about us.

teach what is correct and what no one can [justly] criticize. [Do this] in order that [when the believers] conduct their lives [in a proper manner], anyone who opposes ([us/our message]) will be disappointed because there will be nothing bad that they can [justly] say about us.

9 Tell slaves to respect their owner’s authority in all circumstances, and to try their best to please them.

As for slaves, [specifically, urge them] to be submissive to their masters in everything. They should please [their masters; specifically, they should not] ([contradict/refuse to obey]) [their masters].

10 Teach them not to contradict or to pilfer, but to show such praiseworthy fidelity in everything, as to recommend the teaching about God our Savior by all that they do.

They should not steal [things that belong to their masters]. Instead, they should always be completely honest/reliable and thus [show their masters that their masters can] completely trust them. They should behave like this in order that [as a result of all the slaves conducting themselves well, people] will realize that the teachings about God our Savior are very desirable.

11 For the loving kindness of God has been revealed, bringing salvation for all,

[The believers should behave in a good manner], since God did for us what we did not deserve, [sending Jesus Christ to earth] in order that he might save all people [PRS].

12 leading us to renounce ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives here in this present age, (aiōn g165)

God teaches/tells us [PRS] how to stop doing what he dislikes, and to stop desiring the things that (ungodly people/people who habitually do things that do not please God) desire [MTY]. He wants us to control our behavior and to do what is right and to do what pleases him while we live in this present age/time. (aiōn g165)

13 while awaiting our blessed hope – the appearing in glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

[Do not forget that] we are waiting expectantly for that which will make us very happy [indeed] [MTY]! We are expectantly waiting for our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, to come gloriously!

14 For he gave himself on our behalf, to deliver us from all wickedness, and to purify for himself a people who should be truly his own and eager to do good.

He is the one who [willingly] gave himself ([to die/as a sacrifice]) on our behalf to set us free from all sinful behavior! He wants (us to get rid of all our evil behavior/to make our lives pure) [MET]. He wants us, who are his very own people, to be [people who] are eager to do what is good.

15 Tell them of all this, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone belittle you.

Teach [the believers] these things! Urge [them to do them]! Correct [those who do not obey them! As you do this, you have my] full authority; so do not allow anyone to disregard you!