Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 3:2

"to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men." — Titus 3:2 (ASV)

Believers also have obligations to pagan neighbors. Negatively, they must “slander no one,” i.e., abstain from hurling curses and vicious epithets at those offending or injuring them. The demand requires inner grace but is appropriate for followers of Christ, who did not revile when he was reviled (1 Peter 2:23). Furthermore, they must be “peaceable” (lit., “nonfighting”; GK 285), refusing to engage in quarrels and conflicts. The Christian must not adopt the arts of the agitator.

Positively, Christians must be “considerate” (GK 2117) or gentle, not stubbornly insisting on their own rights but acting in courtesy and forbearance. Another positive duty is continually “to show true [lit., all] humility,” an attitude of mind that is the opposite of self-assertiveness and harshness. Humility is not to be exhibited only in dealing with fellow believers but must be shown “toward all men,” including those who are hostile and morally perverse. It is a difficult test of Christian character but one that effectively proves the genuineness of Christian profession.