to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "gentle" and "meekness" as just being nice, but the text is actually calling for a profound counter-cultural grace. This isn't just about being polite; it's about extending a profound, forgiving consideration to everyone, even when they don't deserve it, reflecting a strength born from God, not weakness.
to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to lead the church in Crete, emphasizing that believers should be a positive example to their community. This means they need to actively counter the negative reputation Cretans had for being difficult and untrustworthy by living out genuine Christian character, not just in their private lives but in all their interactions with everyone.
Paul doesn't just tell us what not to do; he calls us to a positive way of living that might feel counter-cultural, especially in a world quick to argue.
The verse calls us to be 'no brawlers,' but this isn't just about avoiding physical fights. It's about not being 'contentious' – not picking fights with our tongues or our attitudes.
Think about the culture Paul was writing to in Crete – a place known for its rough and sometimes selfish people. He's saying Christians should be different.
But it doesn't stop there. We're called to be 'gentle' and to show 'perfect courtesy.' This means being soft-hearted, yielding, and showing consideration to everyone. It's about a disposition that seeks peace and understanding, rather than conflict.
We're instructed 'to speak evil of no one.' But what does this mean when we know someone is doing wrong, or when we've been wronged?
The original language here can be translated as 'to blaspheme no one.' This is powerful. Blasphemy is a severe form of speaking evil, especially against God, but here it's applied to our speech about others.
It doesn't mean we can never say anything negative about anyone or that we can't address wrongdoing. The context of Titus is about correcting false teachers and guiding a community.
However, the emphasis is on intent and manner. We are not to slander, revile, or defame. Our speech shouldn't be aimed at injuring someone's reputation out of spite or malice. If we must speak about someone's faults or wrong actions, it should be done with a desire for restoration, not destruction, and certainly not with pleasure in their downfall.
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The instruction to show 'perfect courtesy toward all people' is a high bar, especially considering the diverse and sometimes difficult people we encounter.
The phrase 'all people' is crucial here. It's not limited to fellow believers, friends, or those who are easy to get along with. It extends to everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or behavior.
This kind of 'perfect courtesy' (or 'all meekness,' as some translations put it) is an 'inwrought grace of the soul.' It stems from recognizing our own sinfulness and understanding that we, too, are recipients of God's incredible mercy.
It means extending the same forbearance and consideration we've received from God to others. It's about recognizing the image of God in every person, even when they act in ways that are contrary to God's will. This isn't about excusing sin, but about treating every person with a fundamental respect that reflects Christ's own humble and loving disposition.
Paul's instruction for Christians in Crete to avoid quarreling and show courtesy was a radical call to live counter-culturally, especially given Crete's reputation and the broader climate of suspicion towards Christians.
c. 1st century BC
Crete's Reputation for Vice
Ancient sources often describe Cretans as inherently deceitful and turbulent, contributing to a societal context where virtues like gentleness and courtesy were not widely practiced.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Paul Writes to Titus
The Apostle Paul writes this letter to Titus, likely while he is in Macedonia, urging him to establish order and sound doctrine in the churches on the island of Crete.
c. AD 64
Roman Persecution of Christians
Under Emperor Nero, Christians in Rome and potentially elsewhere faced increasing suspicion and persecution, making the call for gentle conduct particularly challenging but crucial.
Jesus' teaching on meekness in the Beatitudes echoes the call for gentleness and humility towards others, framing it as a blessed characteristic.
1 Peter 3:9This passage directly parallels the command to not repay evil for evil and instead offer a blessing, highlighting the Christian response to mistreatment.
Ephesians 4:2Paul exhorts believers to 'bear with one another in love,' emphasizing the same spirit of patience and kindness needed for gentle speech and courtesy.
Colossians 3:12This verse lists 'compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience' as essential virtues for God's chosen people, directly aligning with the character described in Titus 3:2.
1 Timothy 3:3When describing the qualifications for overseers, Paul uses the term 'gentle' (or 'not quarrelsome'), indicating that these traits are fundamental for godly leadership and, by extension, all believers.
ellicottTitus 3:2: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men."
(2) To speak evil of no man. —These commands of St. Paul to the Church of Crete breathe throughout the spirit of Christ, who “when He was reviled, reviled not again;” who said “Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.” The Christian in the days of St. Paul, and for “many days” after St. Paul had borne that gallant witnes…
pooleTitus 3:2: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men."
To speak evil of no man; Greek, to blaspheme no man. Blasphemy is a speaking evil, whether it be applied to God or man, though use hath so obtained, that we only in common discourse speak of blaspheming God. To be no brawlers; to be no fighters, (amacouv) neither with hands nor tongues. But gentle; to be modest, fair, equitable men. Showing all meekness unto all men; forbearing wrath and pass…
It's easy to read "gentle" and "meekness" as just being nice, but the text is actually calling for a profound counter-cultural grace. This isn't just about being polite; it's about extending a profound, forgiving consideration to everyone, even when they don't deserve it, reflecting a strength born from God, not weakness.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to lead the church in Crete, emphasizing that believers should be a positive example to their community. This means they need to actively counter the negative reputation Cretans had for being difficult and untrustworthy by living out genuine Christian character, not just in their private lives but in all their interactions with everyone.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to lead the church in Crete, emphasizing that believers should be a positive example to their community. This means they need to actively counter the negative reputation Cretans had for being difficult and untrustworthy by living out genuine Christian character, not just in their private lives but in all their interactions with everyone.
"to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." — It's easy to read "gentle" and "meekness" as just being nice, but the text is actually calling for a profound counter-cultural grace. This isn't just about being polite; it's about extending a profou…
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Last reviewed October 2026