Matthew Henry Commentary Titus 2:1-8

"But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine: that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience: that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [to be] sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed: the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded: in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine [showing] uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us." — Titus 2:1-8 (ASV)

Older disciples of Christ must behave in everything according to Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober; not thinking that the frailties of age will justify any excess, but seeking comfort from closer communion with God, not from any improper indulgence. Faith works by love and must be seen in love—love for God for His own sake, and love for people for God's sake.

Older persons are prone to be peevish and fretful; therefore, they need to be on their guard. Although there is not an explicit Scripture for every word or look, there are still general rules according to which everything must be ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet, for many expose themselves to fatal temptations by what might initially be only a lack of discretion.

The reason is added, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Failures in fulfilling duties bring great reproach upon Christianity. Young men are prone to be eager and thoughtless; therefore, they must be earnestly urged to be sober-minded, for more young people are ruined by pride than by any other sin. Every godly person's endeavor must be to silence adversaries.

Let your own conscience answer for your uprightness. What a glory it is for a Christian when that mouth which would gladly speak evil of him cannot find any evil in him to speak of!