1But you must speak the things that fit sound teaching.
2Teach the older men to be serious and self-controlled, to be sensible, and to be sound in faith, in love, and in patience.
3In the same way, teach the older women to behave in a way that fits holiness. They must not tell lies about others, and must not be given to much wine. They are to teach what is good.
4In this way they may train the young women to be sensible, to love their husbands, and to love their children,
5to be wise, pure, workers at home, and good, and to obey their own husbands. Then no one will speak evil of the word of God.
6In the same way, urge the young men to be sensible.
7In everything show yourself to be an example of good works. In your teaching show that you are honest and serious,
8and that your speech is sound and cannot be blamed. Then anyone who opposes you will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
9Urge servants to obey their own masters and to please them well in everything, and not to talk back,
10and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted. In this way they will make the teaching of God our Saviour beautiful in everything.
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people.
12It teaches us to say no to godless ways and to worldly desires, and to live in this present world with self-control, with righteousness, and in a godly way,
13while we wait for that blessed hope: the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
14He gave himself for us, to set us free from all wickedness and to make for himself a pure people who are his very own, eager to do good works.
15Speak these things, and urge them, and correct with all authority. Let no one look down on you.