Titus 2:6-8 (King James Version): “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
(Revised Standard Version): “Likewise urge the younger men to control themselves. Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.”
The Living Bible says, “Urge the young men to behave carefully, taking life seriously.”
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines this Greek word as: “to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate—be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.”
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon adds it means “to exercise self-control, i.e., to put a moderate estimate upon oneself, think of oneself soberly, to curb one’s passions.”
Other translations use “sensible,” “self-controlled,” “serious.” The word occurs in five other places: Mark 5:15, Luke 8:35, Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:7.
In Titus 2, the Apostle Paul individually addresses seeking godliness to six classes of people:
1. Titus himself Titus 2:1
2. The aged men Titus 2:2
3. The aged women Titus 2:3
4. The young women Titus 2:4-5
5. The young men Titus 2:6-8
6. Servants Titus 2:9-10
Any gender and age can act shamefully, but here in verses 6?8 he specifically addresses the younger men whose immaturity might limit their ability to exercise self?control. The gospel shouldn’t be corrupted by an undisciplined messenger. The idea is to be able to put to shame (to confound) those on the outside of a Christian fellowship who just want to criticize and persecute. If our behavior is beyond reproach, they will have to invent criticisms.
The conclusion for all of the groups: Titus 2:11-12: (NASB) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.
