Titus 2:8

Sound. Or, “healthy,” a frequent emphasis in this epistle (chs. 1:9, 13; 2:1, 2, 8). Because of sin human nature is diseased, but the gospel is Heaven’s prescription for removing the cause of the infirmity and for restoring men and women to sound health — mentally, physically, spiritually. False teachings, like the nostrums of medical quacks, do not cure the disease, and often complicate it. Paul thus reminds Titus that his opponents will closely observe both his life and his words in order to find something against him. If Titus, however, takes care to speak precisely, carefully, and prayerfully, his opponents will be put to shame. They will be left without a basis for the criticisms they hope to make.

Contrary part. Neither the “vain talkers and deceivers” (ch. 1:10), who were within the church, nor the pagans without were to have a basis for criticism.