I did not take you with me when I went away from Crete, so that you might do what was necessary to put things in order there, placing men in authority over the churches in every town, as I said to you;

let your message be wholesome and unobjectionable, so that our opponent may be put to shame at having nothing evil to say about us.

Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work,

This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have put their faith in God may devote themselves to good actions. These things are good and helpful to other people.