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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Titus 2:8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/titus/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/56_Tts_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Titus 2:8 - Teaching Sound Doctrine" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/titus/2-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/titus/2-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/titus/">Titus</a> > <a href="/titus/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/titus/2-7.htm" title="Titus 2:7">◄</a> Titus 2:8 <a href="/titus/2-9.htm" title="Titus 2:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/titus/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/titus/2.htm">New International Version</a> and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/nlt/titus/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/esv/titus/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. <a href="/bsb/titus/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/blb/titus/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and sound speech beyond reproach, so that he who is of the contrary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us. <a href="/kjv/titus/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. <a href="/nkjv/titus/2.htm">New King James Version</a> sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. <a href="/nasb_/titus/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/nasb/titus/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/nasb77/titus/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/lsb/titus/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> sound in word which is irreproachable, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/amp/titus/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/csb/titus/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us. <a href="/hcsb/titus/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/asv/titus/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/titus/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Use clean language that no one can criticize. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you. <a href="/erv/titus/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/titus/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Speak an accurate message that cannot be condemned. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed because they cannot say anything bad about us. <a href="/gnt/titus/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us. <a href="/isv/titus/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Use wholesome speech that cannot be condemned. Then any opponent will be ashamed because he cannot say anything bad about us. <a href="/msb/titus/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. <a href="/net/titus/2.htm">NET Bible</a> and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us. <a href="/nheb/titus/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and a sound message that cannot be condemned; that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us. <a href="/wbt/titus/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say concerning you. <a href="/wey/titus/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and healthy language which no one can censure, so that our opponents may feel ashamed at having nothing evil to say against us. <a href="/web/titus/2.htm">World English Bible</a> and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/titus/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> sound discourse [that is] blameless, so that he who is of the contrary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning you. <a href="/blb/titus/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and sound speech beyond reproach, so that he who is of the contrary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us. <a href="/ylt/titus/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> discourse sound, irreprehensible, that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning you. <a href="/slt/titus/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The word sound, not to be condemned; that he from the opposite may be changed, having nothing bad to say of you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/titus/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The sound word that can not be blamed: that he, who is on the contrary part, may be afraid, having no evil to say of us. <a href="/cpdv/titus/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> with sound words, irreproachably, so that he who is an opponent may dread that he has nothing evil to say about us. <a href="/nabre/titus/2.htm">New American Bible</a> and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us. <a href="/nrsvce/titus/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/titus/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Choose sound words that are instructive so that no man can point the finger of scorn at us, and so that he who is against us may be shamed, when he can find nothing evil to say about us. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/titus/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Serious, uncorrupted, and let no man despise it, so that he who opposes us may be ashamed, as he will be unable to say anything disgraceful against us.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/titus/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> sound speech that can not be condemned; that he that is opposed may be ashamed, seeing he has no evil thing to say of us.<CM> <a href="/godbey/titus/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> the sound word, irrefutable, in order that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning us. <a href="/haweis/titus/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> sound discourse, incapable of confutation; that he who is in opposition may be confounded, having nothing faulty to say of you.<CM> <a href="/mace/titus/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> gravity; let your doctrine be sound and inoffensive, that your opponents may be ashamed, and have nothing that is ill to say of us. <a href="/wey/titus/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and healthy language which no one can censure, so that our opponents may feel ashamed at having nothing evil to say against us. <a href="/worrell/titus/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> sound speech not to be condemned; that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say concerning us. <a href="/worsley/titus/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> that he who opposeth it may be ashamed, having no evil to say of you. <a href="/parallel/titus/2-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUo2G9e65Ig?start=216" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/titus/2.htm">Teaching Sound Doctrine</a> …7In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8<a href="/greek/5199.htm" title="5199: hygiē (Adj-AMS) -- (a) sound, healthy, pure, whole, (b) wholesome. From the base of auzano; healthy, i.e. Well; figuratively, true.">and wholesome</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logon (N-AMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">speech</a> <a href="/greek/176.htm" title="176: akatagnōston (Adj-AMS) -- Not open to just rebuke; irreprehensible. Unblamable.">that is above reproach,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1727.htm" title="1727: enantias (Adj-GFS) -- Opposite, opposed, contrary; the adversary. From enanti; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic.">opposes us</a> <a href="/greek/1788.htm" title="1788: entrapē (V-ASP-3S) -- From en and the base of trope; to invert, i.e. in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound.">will be ashamed,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">having</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">nothing</a> <a href="/greek/5337.htm" title="5337: phaulon (Adj-ANS) -- Worthless, wicked, base. Apparently a primary word; foul or flawy, i.e. wicked.">bad</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legein (V-PNA) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">to say</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us.</a> 9Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a> keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a> Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. <a href="/2_timothy/2-25.htm">2 Timothy 2:25</a> He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">2 Corinthians 6:3</a> We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">1 Corinthians 1:8</a> He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:23</a> Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a> The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Proverbs 10:32</a> The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse. <a href="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a> May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a> Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a> The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.Sound.<a href="/mark/12-17.htm">Mark 12:17,28,32,34</a> And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him… <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">1 Timothy 6:3</a> If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;that he.<a href="/nehemiah/5-9.htm">Nehemiah 5:9</a> Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?<a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a> I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.<a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12,15</a> Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation… may.<a href="/isaiah/66-5.htm">Isaiah 66:5</a> Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.<a href="/luke/13-17.htm">Luke 13:17</a> And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.<a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:14</a> And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.having.<a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-16</a> Do all things without murmurings and disputings: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Censure</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-12.htm">Condemned</a> <a href="/titus/1-15.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Feel</a> <a href="/john/7-23.htm">Healthy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">Opponent</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Opponents</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Opposes</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Part</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/titus/2-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/acts/3-16.htm">Soundness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/2-11.htm">Ashamed</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-2.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/job/20-3.htm">Censure</a> <a href="/titus/3-11.htm">Condemned</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-13.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Feel</a> <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Healthy</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-22.htm">Language</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-16.htm">Opponent</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Opponents</a> <a href="/james/4-6.htm">Opposes</a> <a href="/titus/3-7.htm">Part</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-11.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/job/6-13.htm">Soundness</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Titus 2</div>1. <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Directions given unto Titus both for his doctrine and life.</a> 10. <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Of the duty of servants, and in general of all Christians.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and eloquence were highly valued, and Christians were called to stand out by speaking truthfully and purely. The term "wholesome" suggests speech that is healthy and edifying, aligning with biblical teachings found in <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>, which encourages believers to speak in ways that build others up. The idea of being "above reproach" is a recurring theme in the pastoral epistles, highlighting the need for leaders and believers to live in a manner that is blameless and beyond criticism, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a>.so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed This part of the verse addresses the potential for opposition and persecution faced by early Christians. By maintaining integrity and purity in speech, believers can disarm critics and detractors. The concept of causing opponents to be "ashamed" is not about humiliation but rather about demonstrating the truth and righteousness of the Christian message, leading to conviction and possibly repentance. This aligns with <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a>, which speaks of having a good conscience so that those who slander believers may be put to shame by their good behavior.having nothing bad to say about us The goal of living and speaking in a manner that leaves no room for legitimate criticism is emphasized here. In a cultural context where honor and shame were significant social dynamics, maintaining a reputation that is free from blame was crucial for the witness of the early church. This reflects the teachings of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a>, where believers are encouraged to let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good deeds and glorify God. The phrase underscores the importance of a consistent Christian testimony that silences false accusations and upholds the integrity of the faith community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Titus, providing guidance on church leadership and Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a> A young pastor and Paul's trusted companion, tasked with organizing the church in Crete and teaching sound doctrine. 3. <a href="/topical/c/cretans.htm">Cretans</a> The inhabitants of Crete, known for their challenging cultural and moral environment, which Titus was ministering to. 4. <a href="/topical/o/opponents.htm">Opponents</a> Those who oppose the Christian message and seek to discredit believers through accusations or criticism. 5. <a href="/topical/c/crete.htm">Crete</a> An island in the Mediterranean where Titus was stationed to establish and strengthen the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_speech.htm">The Power of Speech</a> Our words should reflect our faith and be beyond reproach, serving as a testament to our character and beliefs. <a href="/topical/l/living_above_reproach.htm">Living Above Reproach</a> By maintaining integrity in our speech, we leave no room for valid criticism from those who oppose us. <a href="/topical/w/witness_through_conduct.htm">Witness Through Conduct</a> Our behavior and speech should silence critics and serve as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_engagement.htm">Cultural Engagement</a> Like Titus in Crete, we are called to engage with our culture in a way that upholds Christian values and demonstrates sound doctrine. <a href="/topical/s/shame_of_opponents.htm">Shame of Opponents</a> When our speech and conduct are irreproachable, those who oppose us will be put to shame, having no grounds for their accusations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_titus_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Titus 2</a> <a href="/q/elders_and_deacons'_qualifications.htm">What are the qualifications for elders and deacons?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_above_reproach.htm">What defines being above reproach?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_titus_3_8_stress_good_works.htm">In Titus 3:8, why is the importance of doing good works emphasized while other passages seem to prioritize faith over deeds?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_words_shape_life_and_bonds.htm">What qualities should a pastor possess according to scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/titus/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Sound speech, that cannot be condemned.--The substance of Titus' teaching, whether in the more private intercourse with individuals or in his preaching in the Christian gatherings, must be healthy, practical, manly, in contrast to the sickly, morbid, fanciful instruction the false teachers of Crete were in the habit of giving. His words, too, must be well weighed and thoughtful, as well as earnest and impassioned; they must be such as would expose him neither to contempt nor to the charge of presumption. Between the lines of the exhortation of the 7th and 8th verses we can read the anxiety of the Apostle that his representative in Crete should take all possible care that the matter of his teaching and preaching was studied and prepared with all the attention and thought so important a duty demanded. He should remember, too, that the words as well as the works of the Christian teacher will be subject to a sharp and often hostile criticism. These warnings and reminders of St. Paul, it should be borne in mind, belong to all ages of the faith.That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.--The older authorities, with one exception, read "of us," instead of "of you." If Titus fairly carries out the exhortation of the last two verses, then the enemy, either the false teacher or the Pagan opponent of Christianity, confounded by the pure, self-sacrificing, earnest life, overcome by the well-weighed, thoughtful utterance of great truths, by the impassioned exhortation to men and women to lead noble, honest lives, will surely be ashamed of his bitter opposition, when he finds neither in the life nor in the teaching anything which he can fairly criticise as "bad." As the better supported reading, "of us," associates St. Paul and others with Titus, the evil thing which might have been said of Titus in reality would be spoken against St. Paul and the elder Apostles.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/titus/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Us for you, A.V. and T.R. Sound speech (λόγον ὑγιῆ); still depending upon παρεχύμενος. Besides his personal qualities as a teacher, his speech, or doctrine, must be sound. The word, common of bodily health, is only here applied to speech or doctrine; the common phrase in the pastoral Epistles is ὑγιασινούση διδασκαλία, ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις, and the like. That cannot be condemned (ἀκατάγνωστον); only here in the New Testament, once in 2 Macc. 4:27. This marks the care that the Christian teacher must take not to say anything in his teaching rash, or reprehensible, or that can give offence or cause the ministry to be blamed (camp. <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a>). May be ashamed (ἐντραπῇ). In the active voice ἐντρέπειν is "to put to shame" (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a>), and in classical Greek. In the middle voice ἐντρέπομαι, followed by a genitive of the person, or an accusative in later Greek, means to "respect, reverence" (<a href="/matthew/21-37.htm">Matthew 21:37</a>; <a href="/luke/18-2.htm">Luke 18:2</a>, etc.). In the passive, as here and <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:14</a>, it means "to be put to shame," "to be ashamed" (comp. <a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a> LXX., 35:40. (Compare, for the sentiment, <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">1 Peter 2:15</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a>; and note the frequent resemblances between the pastoral Epistles and those of St. Peter.) The shame of the detractors consists in their being put to silence, having nothing to say, being proved to be slanderers. No evil thing (μηδὲν φαῦλον); as <a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16</a>; <a href="/john/3-20.htm">John 3:20</a>; <a href="/john/5-29.htm">John 5:29</a>. The word means "mean, worthless, paltry," and is hence synonymous with <a href="/commentaries/titus/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[and] wholesome ὑγιῆ (hygiē) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5199.htm">Strong's 5199: </a> (a) sound, healthy, pure, whole, (b) wholesome. From the base of auzano; healthy, i.e. Well; figuratively, true. speech λόγον (logon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. [that is] above reproach, ἀκατάγνωστον (akatagnōston) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Not open to just rebuke; irreprehensible. Unblamable. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. anyone ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. who ἐξ (ex) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. opposes [us] ἐναντίας (enantias) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1727.htm">Strong's 1727: </a> Opposite, opposed, contrary; the adversary. From enanti; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic. will be ashamed ἐντραπῇ (entrapē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1788.htm">Strong's 1788: </a> From en and the base of trope; to invert, i.e. in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound. to have ἔχων (echōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. nothing μηδὲν (mēden) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3367.htm">Strong's 3367: </a> No one, none, nothing. bad φαῦλον (phaulon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> Worthless, wicked, base. Apparently a primary word; 'foul' or 'flawy', i.e. wicked. to say λέγειν (legein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. about περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. us. ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/titus/2-8.htm">Titus 2:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/titus/2-8.htm">NT Letters: Titus 2:8 And soundness of speech that can't be (Ti. 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