6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
exhort (v.6) = “I beg of you, please” — not a strict demand but a loving urging
sober-minded (v.6) = of sound mind, self-controlled — the same word translated “temperate” in v.2 and “discreet” in v.5.
Paul directs his remarks directly to Titus in vs. 7 and 8, as Titus’s example is the best way to influence young men.
integrity (v.7) = absence of self-seeking or perverse motives
reverence (v.7) — dignity and solemnity when dealing with matters of doctrine and God’s Word
incorruptibility (v.7) — not in the best manuscripts
sound (v.8) = healthy, whole
you (v.8) — should be “us”
bondservants (v.9) = slaves — many of whom would be serving in pagan households
be obedient (v.9) — a military term for being in subjection, as in v.5
masters (v.9) = one who has absolute ownership and control over another — the Greek word from which we get “despot.”
well pleasing (v.9) = to give satisfaction
in all things (v.9) — goes with “be obedient”
answering back (v.9) = contradicting, thwarting the master’s plans and wishes
pilfering (v.10) = petty theft, embezzling
fidelity (v.10) = trustworthiness
adorn (v.10) = ornament, decorate, garnish, embellish with honor
doctrine (v.10) — that found in vs. 11-14