Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 2:6

"the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded:" — Titus 2:6 (ASV)

The requirement for the young men is brief but comprehensive: self-control. As a young man, Titus must fittingly convey his instructions for the young women indirectly, but his age was an advantage in dealing directly with the young men. “Encourage” (GK 4151) is stronger than “teach” in v.1; it may be rendered “urge” or “admonish.” Since young men are inclined to be somewhat impetuous and unrestrained in conduct, their basic need is to be “self-controlled” (GK 5404), cultivating balance and self-restraint in daily practice. It was a quality of which Paul found it necessary to remind the Cretan believers (1:8; 2:2, 4–5).