The next mentions to be sober are these.
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 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." Titus 2:1-8
In Paul's letter to Titus, he exhorts him to instruct the aged men and women and the young men and women to be sober to the end that they fulfill their higher callings of ministry to the body of believers in general, and to the next generations.
First, that the aged men be taught to be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity and in patience. Since aged is a relative term I believe it is fair to assume that he meant men who were advanced enough in years and life experience to not be considered novices. He exhorted Titus to instruct them to be sober minded, that their words and counsel be characterized by gravity of purpose and understanding, not flighty and capricious, but well thought out with consideration of their consequences. Also, that they be temperate, not wasteful, and wantonly extravagant in the manner of their living today, but to be prepared for the needs of the days to come. Self-sacrificing for the good of others and laying up in store the things necessary for the future. Not living hand to mouth or beyond their means.
Teaching them that their faith be well established and grounded in the Word; tried, and found capable of withstanding tests and trials, while they remain steadfast to the truth and worship of God. That they be generous-hearted, and patient with those who are just discovering the ways of life, who may be stumbling in their journey to full maturity. Not quick to judge, dismiss, pigeonhole, or define them by their youthful missteps and naive responses to their circumstances, situations, and relationships on the way to becoming men. Being for the young men, sober minded wise counselors and teachers, mentors, who guide them by demonstration and instruction in the knowledge of the Lord and the ways of Godly manhood.
Likewise, he exhorts him to instruct the aged women.
"3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. "
Of the aged women Paul exhorts Titus to instruct them to conduct their lives in behavior that demonstrates holiness, that they see themselves as set apart for the high calling of being Godly in all their ways, compassionate, pure in speech, moderate in their use of wine, so as not to become intoxicated, but to be teachers of good things. Especially that they instruct the younger (married) women to also be sober, to love their husbands, and to love their children.
Young women, must be taught what it means to love their husbands, This is not an instruction in how to feel love, but rather how to demonstrate love to their husbands and their children. The greatest love of all is NOT as the popular song would suggest, "The greatest love of all is learning to love yourself." That may sound like a deep thought, but it could not be further from the truth.
The greatest love of all is sacrificial love for another. The model for this love is "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..."
Jesus expressed the same quality of love when He said,
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
The love of a wife for her husband and of a mother for her children is more about sacrifice than feeling. It is love that is demonstrated by being faithful mother to her children and grandchildren and passing down from generation to generation the truth of God's Word. The Proverbs 31 woman provides the pattern of life for that Godly wife and mother.
It is true for all women, young and old, as it is true for all men young and old, the first instruction is to be sober, clear-minded and submitted to the Word of God so that wisdom may be imported from generation to generation.
Finally, he says that younger women are to be taught to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6
Discreet —
1. Possessed of, exercising, or showing prudence and self-restraint in speech and behavior; circumspect.
2. Made, done, or situated so as to attract little notice.
3. Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the adaptation of means to ends; prudent; sagacious; judicious; not rash or heedless; cautious.
Discretion is a quality of character to be taught to men and women. Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel) was particularly sought out and noted for being discreet and wise. [Genesis 42:39]
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