Next up – Worthy of Respect

Titus 2:2

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect….”

Other bible versions translate ‘worthy of respect’ as ‘dignified’. Since this is a characteristic that Paul wants Titus to teach older men – it clearly is not just a result of getting older. 

Just a few sentences before in chapter one, Paul writes the qualities of an elder, but these listed qualities are for every Christian man. These measurables are part of what makes an older man ‘worthy of respect’. Just as he does in I Timothy 3, Paul lists marriage and children as clear visible measurables for the older man who might be an elder / overseer and worthy of respect.  He then lists multiple character traits that would be visible to others. 

Paul also looks to be suggesting a contrast to the older men he mentions in…

Titus 1:10

“For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group”.  

The contrast to men who do a lot of ‘talking’ are the older men who actually do the ‘walking’. They show in their life and actions to be worthy of respect.  

*Reflection:  Less talking and more walking is a first step in becoming an older man who is worthy of respect.