Titus 2:6-8

Young men 2:6-8

The same principles apply to the behavior of young men. The age range for the older men and women would have been about 40 and up in that culture, and that of the younger would have been between about 20 and 40. [Note: Towner, The Letters . . ., p. 730.] Since Titus was one of the younger, Paul addressed him personally. They should also be sensible (Gr. sophronein; self-controlled, Titus 2:2; Titus 2:5-6) and a good example (pattern) of good deeds (1 Timothy 4:15-16).

"Since young men are inclined to be somewhat impetuous and unrestrained in conduct, their basic need is to be ’self-controlled,’ cultivating balance and self-restraint in daily practice." [Note: Hiebert, "Titus," p. 437.]

They do this by maintaining purity in the teaching of God’s truth as teachers or simply practitioners, by being dignified (serious, Titus 2:2), and by speech that others cannot legitimately criticize. Obedience to these particulars would rob the enemies of the church of any reasonable grounds for criticism (cf. Titus 1:16). They would be "put to shame" because they would have no factual basis for their opposition.