Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the word translated "self-controlled" (or "sober-minded") can encompass prudence and seriousness, its core meaning here is about having a sound, undistracted mind, free from the passions and excesses that easily capture youthful hearts. This isn't just about avoiding outward sin, but about mastering one's inner desires and thoughts, a lifelong discipline that begins with gaining mastery over oneself.
Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to disciple believers in Crete, emphasizing that the teaching of sound doctrine must be accompanied by godly living. After addressing older men and women, he turns to younger men and women, outlining specific exhortations relevant to their life stages and temptations. This verse sets the stage for Titus to urge the younger men to cultivate self-control, a crucial virtue for navigating the challenges of youth and living out their faith.
Youth is often a whirlwind of energy and new experiences. But what if the most powerful tool you have is the one you already possess – your mind?
The verse urges young men to be 'self-controlled,' which is a translation of a Greek word that carries the weight of 'sound thinking' or 'prudence.' It’s not just about avoiding outward bad behavior, but about a deep inner governance. Think of it as steering your thoughts and desires, rather than being tossed around by them.
This self-control is crucial for young men because:
Words of advice are good, but seeing it lived out? That’s what truly sticks. Paul knew this when he instructed Titus.
Paul doesn't just tell Titus what to say to the young men; he implies how Titus should say it. The surrounding verses (Titus 2:7-8) speak about Titus himself being a model of godly living. He’s meant to show 'integrity, gravity, and sound speech' in all his actions.
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This shows us that spiritual influence isn't just about delivering a message; it's about embodying it. For young men learning to be self-controlled, seeing an older, mature believer consistently living out that very self-control is incredibly powerful. It’s one thing to hear 'be prudent,' it’s another to witness prudence in action day after day.
The life of the mentor becomes a living sermon, demonstrating that this kind of inner mastery is not only possible but beautiful.
Understand the original words
sōphrōn · Greek Adjective
To be sober-minded, temperate, or to have a sound mind. It denotes the ability to curb one's impulses and maintain mastery over one's passions and emotions.
The instruction to urge younger men to be self-controlled is deeply rooted in the social context of Crete, known for its rebellious spirit and licentiousness. Titus, himself a younger man with a solid example, was uniquely positioned to guide them toward Christian self-mastery.
c. 20 BC
Roman Province of Crete established
Rome officially organized Crete as a province, bringing Roman law and governance to the island. This marked a significant shift in political and social structures.
c. 40 AD
Titus accompanies Paul
Titus, a Greek convert, accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys. This period likely saw Titus maturing in his faith and leadership skills under Paul's mentorship.
c. 62 AD— this verse
Paul writes to Titus
The Apostle Paul penned the letter to Titus, likely from Macedonia, entrusting him with the leadership of the church in Crete. He was tasked with appointing elders and setting things in order.
c. 63 AD
Titus appointed to Crete
Titus was left on the island of Crete to organize the churches there, a task requiring considerable spiritual maturity and wisdom to address the specific cultural challenges of the Cretan people.
This passage vividly illustrates the destructive path of young men who ignore wisdom and pursue reckless desires, directly contrasting the 'self-controlled' life urged in Titus.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20Paul's admonition here about honoring God with our bodies speaks to the self-control needed to resist sexual temptation and idolatry, themes inherent in the call to be 'sober-minded'.
Romans 12:2This verse calls believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, a process essential for the 'self-controlled' mindset that governs one's thoughts and actions, especially for young men facing unique pressures.
1 Timothy 5:1-2Paul instructs Timothy on how to address older and younger men, emphasizing respectful and discerning interaction, which requires a 'sober-minded' approach from the younger men receiving the counsel.
Galatians 5:16-17This passage highlights the internal conflict between the Spirit and the flesh, showing that 'self-control' is not a passive state but an active, Spirit-empowered discipline against youthful impulses.
barnesTitus 2:6: "Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded."
Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded - Margin, "discreet." On the meaning of the Greek word used here (σωφρονεῖν sōphronein), see the notes at Titus 2:2 , Titus 2:4 . The idea is, that they should be entreated to be prudent, discreet, serious in their deportment; to get the mastery over their passions and appetites; to control the propensities to which youth are subject; and that there should be such self-government, under th…
meyerTitus 2:6: "Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded."
Titus 2:6 . Τοὺς νεωτέρους ] “ the younger men ;” not, as Matthies supposes, the younger members of the church, without distinction of sex. ὡσαύτως ] here, as in Titus 2:3 , on account of the similarity of the exhortation. παρακάλει σωφρονεῖν ] equivalent to σώφρονας εἶναι , opposed to omnibus immoderatis affectibus (Beza). Hofmann: “The whole purport of the apostle’s exhortations is included by the apostle in the one word σωφρονεῖν , w…
While the word translated "self-controlled" (or "sober-minded") can encompass prudence and seriousness, its core meaning here is about having a sound, undistracted mind, free from the passions and excesses that easily capture youthful hearts. This isn't just about avoiding outward sin, but about mastering one's inner desires and thoughts, a lifelong discipline that begins with gaining mastery over oneself.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to disciple believers in Crete, emphasizing that the teaching of sound doctrine must be accompanied by godly living. After addressing older men and women, he turns to younger men and women, outlining specific exhortations relevant to their life stages and temptations. This verse sets the stage for Titus to urge the younger men to cultivate self-control, a crucial virtue for navigating the challenges of youth and living out their faith.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to disciple believers in Crete, emphasizing that the teaching of sound doctrine must be accompanied by godly living. After addressing older men and women, he turns to younger men and women, outlining specific exhortations relevant to their life stages and temptations. This verse sets the stage for Titus to urge the younger men to cultivate self-control, a crucial virtue for navigating the challenges of youth and living out their faith.
"Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled." — While the word translated "self-controlled" (or "sober-minded") can encompass prudence and seriousness, its core meaning here is about having a sound, undistracted mind, free from the passions and ex…
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Last reviewed October 2026