I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

An elder must be blameless. He must be the husband of one wife and have children who are believers and who are not accused of having wild lifestyles or of being rebellious.

One of themselves, a prophet of their own, has said, Cretans are always liars, evil wild beasts, lazy gluttons.

That old men are to be simple in their tastes, serious, wise, true in faith, in love, and of a quiet mind.

That old women are to be self-respecting in behaviour, not saying evil of others, not given to taking much wine, teachers of that which is good,

instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

Remind them to be subordinate to beginnings and powers, to yield obedience to authority, to be prepared for every good work,

not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men.

so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would have you insist strenuously, in order that those who have their faith fixed on God may be careful to set an example of good actions. For these are not only good in themselves, but are also useful to mankind.