Outline

• Greetings (1:1-4)
• Concerning Elders (1:5-9)
  • Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete (1:5)
  • Qualifications of Elders (1:6-9)
• Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
• Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations (ch. 2)
  • The Instructions to Different Groups (2:1-10)
  • The Foundation for Christian Living (2:11-14)
  • The Duty of Titus (2:15)
• Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
  • Obligations as Citizens (3:1-2)
  • Motives for Godly Conduct (3:3-8)
• Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-11)
• Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (3:12-15)

Titus 1 NLT

1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 

2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 

3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him. 

4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. 

5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 

6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 

7 An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. 

8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 

9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. 

10 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 

11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. 

12 Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”

13 This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. 

14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth. 

15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 

16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.

Proverbs 12 NLT

1 To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. 

2 The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. 

3 Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. 

4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. 

5 The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. 

6 The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. 

7 The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm. 

8 A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. 

9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food. 

10 The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. 

11 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. 

12 Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. 

13 The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. 

14 Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. 

15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. 

16 A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. 

17 An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. 

18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. 

19 Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. 

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 

22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. 

23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. 

24Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. 

26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. 

27 Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find. 

28 The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.