But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with ^asound doctrine which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians. 2 ^aOlder men are to be ^btemperate, dignified, sensible, ^csound ^din faith, in love, in steadfastness Christlike in character.

3 Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, ^anot malicious gossips nor ^baddicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, ^amakers of a home where God is honored, good-natured, being ^bsubject to their own husbands, ^cso that the word of God will not be dishonored.

6 In a similar way urge ^athe young men to be sensible and self-controlled and to behave wisely taking life seriously. 7 And in all things show yourself to be ^aan example of good works, with purity in doctrine having the strictest regard for integrity and truth, dignified, 8 sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so ^athat the opponent of the faith will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

9 Urge ^abond-servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back, 10 not stealing things, regardless of value, but proving themselves trustworthy, so that in every respect they will adorn and do credit to the teaching of ^aGod our Savior.

11 For the remarkable, undeserved grace of God that ^1abrings salvation has appeared ^bto all men. 12 It teaches us to reject ungodliness and ^aworldly (immoral) desires, and ^bto live sensible, upright, and godly lives with a purpose that reflects spiritual maturity ^cin this present age, 13 awaiting and confidently expecting the fulfillment of our blessed hope and the glorious ^aappearing of ^bour great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who willingly ^agave Himself to be crucified on our behalf ^bto redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and ^cto purify for Himself a ^dchosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are ^eenthusiastic for doing what is good. Deut 14:2; Ps 130:8; Ezek 37:23

15 Tell them these things. ^aEncourage and ^brebuke with full authority. ^cLet no one disregard or despise you conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect.