2:1 But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with 1 sound teaching. 2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, 2 sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. 3 2:3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. 2:4 In this way 4 they will train 5 the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 2:5 to be self-controlled, 6 pure, fulfilling their duties at home, 7 kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message 8 of God may not be discredited. 9 2:6 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 10 2:7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 2:8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, 11 because he has nothing evil to say about us.
1 tn Grk “say what is fitting for sound teaching” (introducing the behavior called for in this chapter.).
2 tn Or “sensible.”
3 sn Temperate…in endurance. See the same cluster of virtues in 1 Thess 1:3 and 1 Cor 13:13.
4 tn Grk “that they may train” (continuing the sentence of 2:3).
5 tn This verb, σωφρονίζω (swfronizw), denotes teaching in the sense of bringing people to their senses, showing what sound thinking is.
6 tn Or “sensible.”
7 tn Grk “domestic,” “keeping house.”
8 tn Or “word.”
9 tn Or “slandered.”
10 tn Or “sensible.”
11 tn Or “put to shame.”