Titus 2:3

3 Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good,

In a generation that was being infiltrated with false teachers having deviated from sound doctrine, Paul is emphasizing to Titus to stand out and teach sound doctrine. This sound doctrine when taught will produce a different kind of fruit than the one produced by false doctrine.

The older women are to be reverent meaning they must walk in holiness and sacredness. Their behavior must demonstrate a scared kind of life, a life of one who is set apart for a special reason. The older women must not be gossips. A gossiper is one who talks casually and carelessly about other people. One who spreads rumors and has itchy ears to hear so as to spread juicy stories about others. This kind of person loves to put their nose into other people’s business. In today’s social media-driven world, this has become quite the challenge because we love to share what we have not verified.

Ephesians 4:29 (AMP)

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]

Older women need to be sober in their thinking and not given to addictions that would impair their thinking and behavior. This is important because how they live their life is a demonstration that the younger women are learning from and thus, they need to set the right example.

Older women are called to be teachers to younger women on how to live a godly and sober life. They are to teach them goodness and godliness, how to raise strong homes and families that fear, and serve God diligently. They are to teach the younger women what is right and good. That ensures continuity and a good foundation for the next generation. For them to be able to do this means they must live and demonstrate a lifestyle with such characteristics because how then do you preach what your life does not demonstrate?

Reflections

• Many of us would not consider ourselves to be gossips; but when you speak about others when they are not present do you speak positive or negative things?
• Do you have someone you look up to who is teaching you and someone younger whom you are teaching?
• Do you have a secret addiction, if yes what are you going to do about it?