[2:1] But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine.
[2:2] Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance.
[2:3] In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine. They must teach what is good,
[2:4] in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
[2:5] to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God.
[2:6] In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled.
[2:7] In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching.
[2:8] Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.
[2:9] Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them
[2:10] or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do.
[2:11] For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.
[2:12] That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world,
[2:13] as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear.
[2:14] He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.
[2:15] Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.