Titus 2:8

Verse

and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

Saying true and right words, against which no protest may be made, so that he who is not on our side may be put to shame, unable to say any evil of us.

Douay-Rheims 1899

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.

Free Bible Version

sharing healthy beliefs that can't be criticized. In this way those who are opposed will be ashamed of themselves and won't have anything bad to say about us.

Geneva Bible 1599

And with the wholesome woorde, which can not be condemned, that hee which withstandeth, may be ashamed, hauing nothing concerning you to speake euill of.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Plain English Version

The message you teach has to be right, so that nobody can rubbish it. Then your enemies can’t say anything bad about you. Anyone that says bad things about you will shame themselves.

Translation for Translators

teach what is correct and what no one can justly criticize. Do this in order that when the believers conduct their lives in a proper manner, anyone who opposes ◄us/our message► will be disappointed because there will be nothing bad that they can justly say about us.

Unlocked Literal Bible

and a correct message, so that anyone who opposes you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

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.

Young's Literal Translation

discourse sound, irreprehensible, that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say concerning you.

Context

Teaching Sound Doctrine

⁷In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,⁸and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.

Sermons

Be on Your Guard Against the Snares of the Devil

Ignatius of Antioch

Sound in the Faith

H.J. Vine

Summary

In Titus 2:8, Paul instructs Titus to teach with integrity, seriousness, and sound speech that cannot be condemned. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that aligns with the teachings of the Gospel, reflecting the character of Christ in both words and actions. By conducting themselves in a manner that is beyond reproach, believers can effectively refute any opposition or criticism against the faith. The call to uphold a standard of godly living serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and a means to bring glory to God.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Sound speech - Λογον ὑγιη· Sound or healing doctrine. Human nature is in a state of disease; and the doctrine of the Gospel is calculated to remove the disease, and restore all to perfect health and soundness. All false doctrines leave men under the influence of this spiritual disease; the unadulterated doctrine of the Gospel alone can heal men. He that is of the contrary part - Whether this may refer to the Judaizing teachers in general, or to some one who might, by his false doctrine, have been disturbing the peace of the Churches in Crete, we cannot tell. Having no evil thing to say of you - Against a person who is sound in his doctrine, and holy in his life, no evil can be justly alleged. He who reports evil of such a person must be confounded when brought to the test. Instead of περι ὑμων, of You, περι ἡμων, of Us, is the reading of CDEFG, and about forty others; with both the Syriac, all the Arabic, Slavonic, Vulgate, Itala, and several of the primitive fathers. This reading makes a better sense, and is undoubtedly genuine.