The duties of aged women and young women.
As woman had attained through Christianity a position of equality beside man, it was necessary to remind her that her new position involved serious responsibilities.
I. THE DUTIES OF AGED WOMEN.
1. In demeanor as becometh holiness.
2. Not slanderers.
(a) separate friends (Proverbs 16:28);
(b) inflict deadly wounds in character (Proverbs 18:18);
(c) bring dishonor on the gospel;
(d) and cause discords in the Church.
3. Not enslaved to much wine.
4. Teachers of good things.
II. THE DUTIES OF YOUNG WOMEN. They are regarded as under the instruction and guidance of the aged women. In Ephesus, Timothy was exhorted to teach the younger women, but it is probable that the state of the Cretan community required that the instructions of Titus should be supplemented by the more practical and continuous guidance of the elderly women. The young women were to be schooled to their duties in a wise manner.
1. They were to be lovers of their husbands.
(a) a blessing to her husband (Proverbs 12:4);
(b) brings him honor (Proverbs 31:23);
(c) secures his confidence (Proverbs 31:11);
(d) earns his praises (Proverbs 31:28).
2. Lovers of their children.
3. Discreet. Young women, in a new position of Christian privilege, might be tempted to rashness, enthusiasm, and impulsive conduct. They were to be wise and careful in their conduct both at home and abroad.
4. Chaste. In act, speech, thought, and dress, finding their true happiness in their husband's society. There are many high motives for a pure womanhood (1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:7).
5. Workers at home.
6. Good. Such women are to be kindly and thoughtful in their family relationships, especially to servants, and not niggardly or exacting. "Their thriftiness must not degenerate into avarice."
7. Obedient to their own husbands.