⁶Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; ⁷in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, ⁸sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

To young men, the apostle gives a singular instruction: “be sensible.” Translated as “prudent” in the list of elder qualifications (1 Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:8), the Greek word is also applied to older men (Titus 2:2) and young women (Titus 2:5). Here Paul prioritizes it by making it his primary instruction for the young men. We are reminded of what Solomon wrote: “I saw among the naive, and discerned among the youths a young man lacking sense . . . ” (Prov. 7:7). The remedy is for the young believers in Christ to live sensibly. They in particular need to focus on this controlling factor in their lives, for as one commentator puts it, “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” (EBC).

From this point, Paul slides effortlessly into instructions directly for Titus, possibly an extension of what he said to young men. Although Titus was probably in his mid- to late thirties, all believers should continually grow from youthfulness to maturity. Therefore, we see four universal mandates for Christian maturity.

First, we should live demonstrable, exemplary lives of good deeds. These things do not save us or aid in our salvation, but they are the design for our lives, as the workmanship of God in us (Eph. 2:10, 1 Tim. 4:12).

Second, we should strive for purity of doctrine. Our beliefs should be clearly understood and communicated without ambiguity. We should avoid attempts at clever or “innovative” ways of teaching about the truth that diminish its force or muddy the waters.

Third, we should be dignified, not acting foolishly or with “filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Eph. 5:4). Not that Christians should be humorless, but we should be ready and approachable when others consider whether the gospel is credible.

Fourth, culminating the first three, we should be “sound in speech which is beyond reproach.” We speak with integrity, clarity, and straightforwardness. All who oppose us, whether rejecters of the gospel or false teachers, cannot use our confusion or lack of clarity as an excuse (see 1 Peter 2:12).

Lord, help me be clear and straightforward when I communicate Your truth.