Titus, Part TwoNäide

Watch your words

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers…” (Titus 2:3)

Paul's instructions for older men flow seamlessly into instructions for women. In fact, the same applies to them as to men. Their behavior, too, must be appropriate to their status as ‘saints.’ They have been cleansed from sin by God and set apart for Him; that position then implies a calling to be reverent in behavior.

There are a few specific exhortations that apply especially to women.

The first is about gossiping or slandering. This can be very subtle but nevertheless does a lot of damage. In fact, words can be sharp as knives! Speaking negatively about someone can damage their reputation. An unkind remark can hurt the other person. Gossiping damages the trust people have in us.

The apostle James also discusses the power of the tongue. This small part of the body can hardly be tamed; he says: “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body” (James 3:2). But just as salt and fresh water cannot come from the same spring, so our mouths can’t speak out blessings and curses. We must not defile ourselves by speaking evil, lying, and cursing but only speak what is good.

Do you find it difficult to control your tongue? How can you grow stronger in this respect?