Titus 2:3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The aged women likewise All of them in general, and not merely such as were employed by the church in teaching the young of their own sex the doctrines and precepts of Christianity; that they be in behaviour Εν καταστηματι, in their deportment, including their dress, as the word implies; as becometh holiness Or holy persons, as ιεροπρεπεις may be rendered, that is, such as is agreeable to their holy profession, and will manifest the holiness of their hearts; not false accusers Slanderers, or evil speakers; not given to much wine If they use a little for their many infirmities; teachers For their age and experience call them to be so; of good things Only, and not of any thing of a contrary nature. That they may teach the young women These Timothy was to instruct himself; Titus, by the elder women; to be sober Or wise. The original expression, ινα σωφρονιζωσι τας νεας, is, literally, That they may render the young women wise, or prudent, namely, in the performance of the duties of their station; to love their husbands, their children In a due manner, with a tender, temperate, holy, wise affection. O how hard a lesson! To be discreet Particularly in the love of their children; chaste Particularly in the love of their husbands; keepers at home Whenever they are not called out by works of necessity, piety, and mercy; good Well-tempered, sweet, soft, obliging; obedient to their husbands Whose will, in all things lawful, is a rule to the wife; that the word of God The doctrine of the gospel, and the Christian religion; be not blasphemed Or evil spoken of, particularly by unbelieving husbands, who usually lay all the blame of what they think wrong in their wives, on their religion. Young men exhort to be sober-minded Or, rather, prudent and discreet, as σωφρονειν signifies.