Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 2:3

"that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;" — Titus 2:3 (ASV)

“Likewise” indicates that the same kind of deportment is expected of the “older women,” although the demands on them are related to their own station in life. The basic demand is that they “be reverent in the way they live.” Their conduct must reveal that they regard life as sacred in all of its aspects.

Their reverential behavior requires that they “not be slanderers or addicted to much wine.” As mature Christians, they must not be given to gossip, repeating vicious and unfounded charges against others, and must not overindulge in wine. The union of the two negatives suggests the close connection between a loose tongue and intoxicating drink.

Positively, the older women must “teach what is good.” By personal word and example, they must teach what is morally good, noble, and attractive. The reference is not to public instruction, but to their teaching function in the home.