Titus 2:1–10 “The Virtue of Prudence”

Titus 2:1-10 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours) – Matt Maher
• Sinking Deep – Hillsong Young and Free
• Do It Again – Elevation Worship

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Follow God | A Sunday School lesson about not following the crowd – Lesson for Kids
• The Golden Rule | Weird Animals Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Count Your Blessings | Scuba VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• High and Low – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

In the previous chapter, the Apostle pointed out the behavior of those who strayed from the truth. In this chapter, he explains the virtues of Christians. He urges Titus to teach the believers “what is consistent with sound doctrine” (v. 1). Then he provides guidance appropriate for each age group.

For “older men” (v. 2), the virtues that are fitting are “self-control,” “dignity,” “prudence,” and being “sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.” The phrase “sound” means “wholeness” or “integrity.” Regarding “older women” (v. 3), he gives more detailed guidance. While men are called to self-control, women are warned not to become “slaves to excessive drinking.” They are also instructed not to slander others without cause and to teach the younger women “what is good.”

For “younger women” (v. 4), in line with the patriarchal culture of the time, the apostle encourages the virtues of a good wife and mother. Though he declared that in Christ Jesus there is no distinction between male and female (Gal. 3:28) and taught that husbands and wives must serve one another in love (Eph. 5:21), he also recognized that applying this teaching too radically could invite social criticism. Therefore, he instructs wives to realize the spirit of the gospel while still moving within the framework of patriarchal customs, “so that God’s word may not be discredited” (v. 5). For “younger men” (v. 6), he emphasizes the virtue of “prudence.”

The apostle tells Titus that he must practice all of this teaching himself and serve as an example to the believers. In the process of teaching, he must approach with a pure heart and show a dignified attitude (v. 7). When he speaks, he should use “sound speech that cannot be condemned” (v. 8), so that opponents may be put to shame and have nothing bad to say.

In verses 9 and 10, Paul adds instructions for slaves, because many households in those days had servants. Whenever the apostle gave guidance for household living, he would also include instructions for the relationship between masters and slaves. Here, just as he instructed younger women within the cultural framework of their time, he calls on slaves to maintain loyalty to their masters. This was to prevent unnecessary criticism of the gospel that could arise if the liberating spirit of the gospel were practiced in too radical a way.

Meditation:

The Apostle commands Titus to guide and train believers according to their age group. In line with the social norms of the time, he instructs each age and gender on their corresponding virtues. Yet, there is one virtue that is required of everyone, regardless of age or gender: prudence. In verse 2, the word semnos is used, and in verses 5, 6, and 12, sophronos appears. These two terms are used synonymously.

In the writings of Greek philosophers of that era, “prudence” was considered the most important virtue for urban life. Aristotle defined prudence as “avoiding extreme actions and acting with thoughtful discernment.” The Apostle Paul presents this as a Christian virtue. By this, Paul meant speaking and acting while discerning God’s will and seeking the good of neighbors and the community. Only then can we avoid mistakes that deviate from God’s will and bring benefit to our brothers and sisters in faith. Only then will “the word of God not be discredited” (v. 5).

In connection with this passage, Paul has been criticized as taking a “conservative position.” He instructs young women to “be submissive to their husbands” (v. 5) and tells slaves to “be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted” (vv. 9–10). Superficially, Paul seems to suppress the revolutionary nature of the gospel and conform to patriarchal culture. However, this was actually an expression of his prudence, so that the gospel would not be slandered. If the spirit of the gospel is alive, both patriarchy and slavery will ultimately collapse. But if believers act hastily and prematurely, the gospel may be discredited, and the door for evangelism could be shut.

Paul did not attempt to directly reform society. He believed that as the gospel spread to many and as believers lived according to the spirit of the gospel, unjust social systems would naturally fall apart. In the meantime, believers must wait patiently for that time, exercising prudence in their judgment and actions.

Prayer:

Lord, we so easily judge and act hastily. Because of this, we often make mistakes that cause Your Word to be discredited. Govern us, so that we may think with prudence, speak with dignity, and conduct ourselves rightly. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God calls all Christians—young and old, male and female—to live with prudence: thinking carefully before speaking or acting, seeking God’s will, and doing what builds up others. Prudence protects the gospel’s witness and helps us live in a way that honors Christ before others.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What does it mean to think carefully before you act? Can you give an example from your school or home?
  • Why do you think God wants us to be careful with our words?
  • How can being “prudent” (thinking before speaking/acting) help other people see God’s love in us?
    
• Youth
  • Paul tells Titus that prudence is a virtue for everyone. Why do you think this is important for both young and old?
  • Sometimes being prudent means waiting patiently instead of acting right away. Can you think of a situation where waiting might honor God more than acting quickly?
  • Paul didn’t start a social revolution but believed the gospel itself would change society over time. How can Christians today show prudence in standing for truth and justice while keeping the gospel at the center?