1 You, however, are to call people to the kind of conduct that agrees with teaching that is sound. 2 Older men are to be temperate, of honorable conduct, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. 3 Older women, likewise, are to conduct themselves in a manner that is reverent, not slandering others, not enslaved to too much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they can train the younger women to love their husbands, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, diligent in tending to their duties at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited. 6 The younger men, likewise, you must exhort to be self-controlled, 7 in every respect yourself showing to be an example of good deeds, in your teaching demonstrating sincerity, honorable conduct, 8 and sound instruction that is above reproach, so that your opponents may feel ashamed of their behavior, having nothing they can say about us that is bad. 9 Slaves are to submit themselves in all respects to their masters, and are to serve them well, not being defiant, 10 not misappropriating the things entrusted to them, but showing themselves to be at all times trustworthy and honest, so that they may bring credit in all respects to the teaching about God our Savior.

11 For the gift of God has appeared with salvation for the whole human race, 12 shaping us through training and discipline, so that we may conduct ourselves in the present age, having renounced ungodly behavior and worldly desires, in a self-controlled and righteous and godly manner, 13 as we wait expectantly for the arrival of our blessed hope, namely, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, 14 who gave himself for us in order to release us by payment from slavery to every kind of wickedness and cleanse for himself a people who are his treasured possession, who are eager to do what is good.

15 These are the things you must teach; exhort and bring correction with full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.