Sound Teaching and Christian Living

2 But you must say the things that are consistent with sound teaching. k 2 Older men l are to be level headed, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, m and endurance. 3 In the same way, older women n are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 so they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, and submissive o to their husbands, so that God’s message p will not be slandered.

6 In the same way, encourage the young men q to be self-controlled 7 in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity r in your teaching. 8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, s so that the opponent will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

9 * Slaves are to be submissive to their masters t in everything, and to be well-pleasing, u not talking back 10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior v in everything.

11 For the grace of God has appeared with salvation w for all people, x 12 instructing us to deny godlessness y and worldly lusts z and to live in a sensible, righteous, a and godly b way in the present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope c and appearing of the glory d of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave Himself for us e to * redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, f eager to do good works.

15 Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard g you.