This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Greek, 'Faithful is the saying'-a formula unique to the partoral letters; here the statement (Titus 3:4-7) as to the gratuitousness of God's gift of salvation, answering to the "Amen" (Revelation 3:14).
These things ... х peri (G4012) touton (G5126) boulomai (G1014) se (G4571) diabebaiousthai (G1226)] - 'concerning these things (the truths dwelt on, Titus 3:4-7) I will that thou affirm persistently, in order that they who have believed God х Theoo (G2316); but piston (G4103) Theon (G2316), John 14:1: 'they who credit God' in what He saith, instead of crediting man's vain talk, Titus 3:9] may be [frontizosin] solicitously sedulous (diligence is necessary) to be forward in х proistasthai (G4291): 'to set before themselves so as to sustain'] good works;' no longer applying their care to "unprofitable" and unpractical speculations (Titus 3:9).
These things - not 'these (good works) are good,' but as the antithesis (Titus 3:9) requires, 'these truths' (Titus 3:4-7).
Good - in themselves, as well as profitable unto men.