Titus 3:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

NIV: to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

NASB: to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.

CSB: to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.

NLT: They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

KJV: To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

NKJV: to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Verse 2 continues the list of commands Titus is to "remind" believers of. Verse 1 included three commands; verse 2 adds four more. First, believers are not to gossip or tear others down with words. Second, they are to avoid arguments—to "be peaceable," or "avoid quarreling." Bickering was a major reason for Paul's concern regarding the churches on Crete. False teachers argued that Christians had to be circumcised and obey the Mosaic Law. This problem was so serious that, in verse 10, Paul instructs that a divisive person be cut off after a second warning.

Third, Christians were to be gentle, from the Greek term epieikeis, meaning "suitable" or "fair-minded." Believers were not to be violent, or hot-tempered, especially church leaders (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Fourth, believers were to extend kindness both to believers and non-believers. This kindness is a trait also described by the Hebrew term hesed (Exodus 15:13; Psalm 13:5), which means "loving-kindness." This is also one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Jesus likewise spoke of kindness to unbelievers (Matthew 5:16).

Titus 3:1–3 applies the teachings Paul gave Titus in chapters 1 and 2. Crete was famous for its immoral culture, but this letter encourages Christians to live according to better principles. This passage contrasts seven worthy behaviors (associated with belief), to seven sins (associated with unbelief). Paul tells Titus to “remind” people of these ideas, meaning they have been taught already.

Paul reminds Titus of seven positive behaviors, and seven contrasting sins, which he is to insist on teaching correctly. False teachers are to be cut off, not given a public platform. Believers are not to waste time bickering, but focus on good works and urgent needs. This passage also explains how salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace, not our own good deeds.

Titus chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Chapter 2 explained the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture. Through goodness and peace, we are to make a positive impact, so people will see Christ in us.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.