Titus 2:5

Discreet. Gr. sophron, “prudent,” “self-controlled,” “sound-minded.” Paul’s frequent emphasis on sophron and its derivatives in his letters to both Timothy and Titus (1 Tim. 2:9, 15; 3:2; 2 Tim. 1:7; Titus 1:8; 2:2, 4-6, 12) reflects a studied endeavor to solve a major problem in church organization and character development. Self-control denotes victory over selfishness. Personal desires are to be made subordinate to the overall good of the family and others, and disappointments are to be met with courage and buoyancy.

Keepers at home. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “workers at home.” Mothers who spend a great portion of time outside of the home sometimes neglect family responsibilities. To allow the children to roam without parental oversight, or to place them under the guidance of a paid assistant, does not fulfill the divine instruction here given.

Good. Paul’s description of a Christian woman compares with the classic portraiture of the honorable mother and wife in Prov. 31:10-31.

Obedient. See on Eph. 5:22; 1 Tim. 2:11.

Blasphemed. Because Christians bear the name of their God and profess to represent Him, Paul urged a careful review of the daily habits by which the power of religion is judged. Like pagans, many church members choose to observe elaborate ritual instead of faithfully living for God day by day. The faithful performance of daily tasks constitutes the first responsibility of a Christian woman. No church duties, however well performed, can compensate for a lack of proper child care or emotional immaturity. If the pagan notes that Christian women are not more self-controlled and responsible than pagan women, the cause of Christianity suffers great loss. Because of Christianity’s loftier view of woman’s role in the home and the church the pagan world will scrutinize carefully the results of such a profession. Paul’s special care was to establish the church on right principles, knowing that the moral and spiritual tone of the home and community is largely determined by its women.