Titus 2:7-8 Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. (NRSV)
Some of the best advice I got came from a drunk person long time ago. I was a teenager in middle school, walking to catch a bus to get back home. It was very late and by that time there were only a few buses to catch. This drunk man was sitting on the concrete by the bus stop. He was dirty, smelly and could barely keep his eyes open. He touched my leg and said “Don’t be a sucker of the bottle.” He was meaning don’t be a drunk. I felt pity and remorse at the same time.
He reminded me of what I should not be, and what I hope I never become. Titus was teaching a new congregation of zealous Christians how they should be. These verses are more than just a set of nice thoughts to teach. This is what we should strive to be in order to grow closer to God and to bring people to Christ. Don’t give anyone a reason to speak evil of you and of the Lord.