¹ You should, however, speak of such subjects as properly have a place in sound Christian teaching.

² Teach that the older men should be temperate, serious, and discreet; strong in faith, love, and endurance.

³ So, too, that the older women should be reverent in their demeanour, and that they should avoid scandal, and beware of becoming slaves to drink;

⁴ that they should teach what is right, so as to train the younger women to love their husbands and children,

⁵ and to be discreet, pure-minded, domesticated, good women, respecting the authority of their husbands, in order that God’s message may not be maligned.

⁶ And so again with the younger men — impress on them the need of discretion.

⁷ Above all, set an example of doing good. Show sincerity in your teaching, and a serious spirit;

⁸ let the instruction that you give be sound and above reproach, so that the enemy may be ashamed when he fails to find anything bad to say about us.

⁹ Tell slaves to respect their owner's authority in all circumstances, and to try their best to please them.

¹⁰ Teach them not to contradict or to pilfer, but to show such praiseworthy fidelity in everything, as to recommend the teaching about God our Saviour by all that they do.

¹¹ For the loving kindness of God has been revealed, bringing salvation for all;

¹² leading us to renounce irreligious ways and worldly ambitions, and to live discreet, upright, and religious lives here in this present world,

¹³ while we are awaiting our blessed hope — the appearing in glory of our great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus.

¹⁴ For he gave himself on our behalf, to deliver us from all wickedness, and to purify for himself a people who should be peculiarly his own and eager to do good.

¹⁵ Speak of all this, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.