To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
What does Titus 3:2 mean?
Spiritual privileges do not make void or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good meanings are not enough without good works.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Titus 3:1-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no man - Greek, "to blaspheme (βλασφημειν blasphemein, compare the notes at Matthew 9:3 ) no one." Doddridge renders it, "calumniate no one." The idea is, that we are not to slander, revile, or defame anyone. We are not to say anything to anyone, or of anyone, which will do him injury. We are never to utter anything which we know to be false about him or to give such a coloring to his words or conduct as to do him wrong in any way. We should always so speak to him and of him in such a way that he will have no reason to complain that he is an injured man.
Key words
- speak
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To speak evil of no man,.
Context in Titus 3
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Titus 3 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as grace, good works, and final instructions. Titus is a compact pastoral letter about elders, sound teaching, good works, and the gracious training of the Christian life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of good works, grace, and order in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on godly leadership, servant leadership, the responsibilities of leaders, and examples of leadership in Scripture.