2:1 BUT [as for] you, teach what is fitting {and} becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians]. |
2:2 Urge the older men to be temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, and in the steadfastness {and} patience [of Christ]. |
2:3 Bid the older women similarly to be reverent {and} devout in their deportment as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel {and} be teachers of what is right {and} noble, |
2:4 So that they will wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children, |
2:5 To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting {and} subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited). |
2:6 In a similar way, urge the younger men to be self-restrained {and} to behave prudently [taking life seriously]. |
2:7 And show your own self in all respects to be a pattern {and} a model of good deeds {and} works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity [having the strictest regard for truth and purity of motive], with dignity {and} seriousness. |
2:8 And let your instruction be sound {and} fit {and} wise {and} wholesome, vigorous {and} irrefutable {and} above censure, so that the opponent may be put to shame, finding nothing discrediting {or} evil to say about us. |
2:9 [Tell] bond servants to be submissive to their masters, to be pleasing {and} give satisfaction in every way. [Warn them] not to talk back {or} contradict, |
2:10 Nor to steal by taking things of small value, but to prove themselves truly loyal {and} entirely reliable {and} faithful throughout, so that in everything they may be an ornament {and} do credit to the teaching [which is] from {and} about God our Savior. |
2:11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin {and} the eternal salvation for all mankind. |
2:12 It has trained us to reject {and} renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, |
2:13 Awaiting {and} looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), |
2:14 Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager {and} enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. |
2:15 Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise {or} disregard {or} think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect]. |