5 For this reason I left you in Crete, to correct those things which lack, and appoint elders in each city as I have appointed you, 6 if anyone is guiltless, husband to only one wife, has faithful children not prone to crime and who are not incorrigible. 7 For the supervisor must be guiltless, like a steward of God, not arrogant or hot-tempered, nor a wino, nor a striker, nor given to dirty riches, 8 but hospitable, studious of good things, sober, righteous, godly, modest, 9 holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound teaching, and to win over those who contradict.
10 For there are many who are incorrigible and speakers of vanity, and seducers of minds; worst of all those who are of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be shut up, who turn away entire houses, teaching those things which they should not for the sake of dirty riches. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.” 13 This statement is true. For this reason, rebuke them most strongly, that they may be whole in faith, 14 not minding the fables of the Jews and the precepts of people who turn them away from the truth. 15 Indeed, to the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unfaithful nothing is pure, but their mind and conscience is corrupt. 16 They say to themselves that they know God, but in their deeds they deny him, for they are abominable, and disbelieving, and reprobate to every good work.
6 As for young men, likewise exhort them to be sober, 7 above all, showing yourself as the very example of good works, in teaching, integrity, seriousness, 8 a sound word, blameless, that the one who repugns shall be embarrassed, having nothing evil to say about any of you.
9 As for servants, exhort them to obey their lords, to please them in all things, not talking back, 10 not deceiving, but showing all good faith, that they may adorn themselves in all things with the teaching of God our savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, which gives salvation to all mankind, 12 teaching us that having denied ungodliness and the lusts of this world, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this age, 13 awaiting that blessed hope and the appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and that he might purify to himself a most excellent people, set apart to good works.
15 These things, speak and exhort, and dispute with all authority, studiously; may no one despise you.
8 This word is without doubt: of these things I want you to confirm that those who have been believing in God maintain good works; for these things are honest, and useful to mankind. 9 And foolish queries and genealogies and contentions and legal battles avoid; for they are useless and vain. 10 A man dissenting, after one warning and after another, flee; 11 knowing him to be turned aside to his own self, and sins, by himself condemned.
12 Now, when I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Be studious to bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos along, that they be lacking nothing, 14 and also, our own should learn to maintain good works to necessary use, that they may not be barren of fruit. 15 All who are with me greet you; greed those who love us in faith. May the grace of God be with all of you. Amen.