²Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

Sound doctrine is now fitted in practical ways to older Christians first and then to the younger. This is how believers can honor the right teaching of truth in healthy, godly ways, by how they live their lives

Paul begins with “older men.” He speaks as one of them, for he self-identifies in another contemporary letter of his as “Paul, the aged, and now a prisoner of Christ Jesus” (Philem. 9). Though related to that which is translated elsewhere as “elder,” the word used here is uniformly understood to refer to a male of advanced age. Not being bound by modern-day egalitarianism, Paul focuses on issues of particular significance to the men of Crete, which differs from what he has to say to the women.

Contrary to modern media’s focus on youthfulness, the inspired apostle lays out six crisp traits to which godly, older men should aspire. 1) Be temperate, that is living a life of moderation, not extremes. Not giving in to excesses is a sign of maturity. 2) Be dignified or sober, behaving respectfully. This does not mean acting and looking sour or boorish, but not acting like a fool in the eyes of others. 3) Be sensible. His decisions are balanced and controlled. 4) Be sound in faith. He integrates his faith and behavior, that is, his life reflects the Word of God. 5) Be sound in love. He does not just speak of love, but he acts in love as the Word teaches. 6) Be sound in perseverance. Because he believes the Word, he endures all that is contrary as he holds onto the truth and lives it out daily. In reality, all Christians, young and old, male and female, should aim for these characteristics.

Older women also receive specific instructions. Some interpreters say what follows reflects the unique situation of women in Crete—that they, for example, had more of a problem with addiction to wine than the men. However, the instruction for older men to be dignified and self-controlled would certainly cover the excess of alcohol. Certainly, the elders in Crete were not to be addicted to wine (Titus 1:7). For whatever reason, Paul gives more detailed instructions to the older women. But it is clear, from the teaching for “elder” qualifications in Titus 1:7 and the teaching for older men here, that God intends for the men to lead the way in behavior “fitting for sound doctrine.” Leadership in the church and home requires men whose beliefs affect their behavior. Not only in the ancient world but today more than ever, we need men who both know sound doctrine and live out that truth in Christlike behavior.

Lord, help me be a person of integrity, both in my beliefs and my behavior.