Titus 2:2

2 that old men be sober, chaste, prudent, whole in faith, in love, and patience;

Titus 2:2 Meaning and Commentary

Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober
Or "vigilant", and watchful over themselves, their conduct and conversation, lest being evil, it should be drawn into an example by younger persons: this is to be understood not of men in office, of presbyters or elders; for their characters are described in the preceding chapter; but of men in years, of ancient men, that are professors of religion, and members of churches: who should also be

grave;
in their behaviour, speech, and dress; levity of conversation, frothy language, and airy dress, are very unbecoming aged persons: and who ought to be

temperate;
in eating and drinking, especially the latter, to which old age is most addicted, and care should be taken that they be not over charged with it, and that day overtake them unawares, since they are upon the brink and borders of eternity: the word is rendered "discreet" in ( Titus 2:5 ) and sober in ( 1 Timothy 3:2 ) and both are characters suitable to men in years.

Sound in faith, in charity, in patience;
though they may be unhealthful in their bodies, and become decrepit through age, they should be sound in their minds; in the doctrine of faith, lest they should lead others into error; and their faith in Christ should appear to be right and genuine; and their love to God, to Christ, and to his people, should be real and sincere, and be taken off from the things of the world, of time and sense; an affection for which is an evil that frequently cleaves to old age: and patience should have its perfect work; not only to bear the infirmities of body, brought on by age; but whatsoever sufferings they may be called unto for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, in their last day; and to run out the race that is set before them.

Titus 2:2 In-Context

1 But speak thou those things that beseem wholesome teaching; [Forsooth speak thou the things that become wholesome teaching;]

2 that old men be sober, chaste, prudent, whole in faith, in love, and patience;

3 also old women in holy habit, not slanderers [not backbiters, or saying false blame on other men], not serving much to wine, well-teaching, that they teach prudence.

4 Admonish thou young women, that they love their husbands, that they love their children;

5 and that they be prudent, chaste, sober, having care of the house, benign, subject to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.