What does Paul mean by “sound doctrine” in Titus 2:1
Titus 2:1 (ESV)
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine."
Does Paul referring to all teaching in general or some specific doctrine?
ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΤΟΝ 2:1 1881 (WHNU)
συ δε λαλει α πρεπει τη υγιαινουση διδασκαλια
The Greek words ("υγιαινουση διδασκαλια") "hygiainousē didaskalia" is literally translated as "healthy teachings." and is a more accurate translation than "sound doctrine."
Some renderings by other translations.
New Living Translation Titus 2:1
"As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome
teaching."
International Standard Version Titus 2:1
"But as for you, teach what is consistent with healthy doctrine."
The answer to your question is in chapter two of Titus 2, ,counsel to "older men 2:2",counsel to "older women 2:3," counsel to "younger women"2:4-5 counsel to "younger men 2:6," and to "slaves and servants 2:9."
Since a life guided by wholesome/healthy teachings of God brings such blessings now and in the future, we need to know, in practical terms, how we can make God’s sound teaching our way of life. The apostle Paul provided the answer in his letter to Titus in the second chapter ,he counselled "But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with wholesome teaching." The counsel is beneficial to all , young , old, male and female.
Counsel for older men.Titus 2:2 (NASB)
"Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith,
in love, in perseverance."
Older men are usually looked to as examples of faith and loyalty , (Lev. 19:32) so they should take Paul's words at heart and like him, older men should be worthy of imitation .
Philippians 3:17 (NET Bible)
17 "Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully
those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example."
Older Christians are to be temperate , dignified,and sensible, older men should thus be clearheaded, watchful and not given to extremes in drinking, or other things. They should be tolerant of the energetic younger ones , and have full control of their feelings and impulses.
1 Peter 1:13 (NET Bible)
"13 Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober,
and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you
when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Finally older men should be "sound in faith, in love, in perseverance." Perseverance (endurance) is a feeling that could wane with advancing age and possibly Paul, in mentioning it, had in mind Jesus words : "But the person who endures to the end will be saved. (Mat.24:13 NET) Older men should be excellent examples for the rest of the congregation for their experience and healthy spiritual qualities.
Counsel for the older women .(Titus 2:3)
"Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who
are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but
teaching what is good."
“Likewise,” by this obviously Paul means that “the older women” also have certain responsibilities to live up to so as to fulfill their role in the congregation. They are to " exhibit reverent behavior,"Behavior" is an expression of one's inner attitudes and which are reflected in one's conduct and appearance. A woman with positive attitudes for spiritual things and friendliness can positively influence young women around her. Paul in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 gives advice to women how to conduct themselves.
9 "Likewise the women are to dress in suitable apparel, with modesty
and self-control.[c] Their adornment must not be with braided hair and
gold or pearls or expensive clothing, 10 but with good deeds, as is
proper for women who profess reverence for God."1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NET
Bible)
"But teaching what is good."
Paul gave clear instructions that women are not to be teachers in the congregation. "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet."( 1 Timothy 2:12 ) However this does not prevent them form teaching ,the invaluable knowledge of the scriptures which they have ,in their households and to others.
Counsel for the Young Women. Titus 2:4-5(NET)
4 "In this way they will train the younger women to love their
husbands, to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure,
fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own
husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited.
Although the above instructions of Paul are centered on domestic duties, young women are to be of sound mind and not let themselves go overboard with material concerns to the detriment of spiritual things, otherwise the message of God may not be discredited.
Counsel for Young Men. Titus 2: 6-8 (NET)
Paul now comes to Titus and to the younger men.
6 "Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing
yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching
show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be
criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has
nothing evil to say about us."
Many of today's youths are irresponsible and destructive in their ways -- drug and alcohol abuse , smoking, illicit sex, debase music and entertainment, etc. Christians youths are urged by Paul to follow wholesome teachings for a healthful and satisfying life, that cannot be criticized by opponents. Likewise , speech must be “wholesome” and such that it “cannot be condemned” so that they may give no cause for complaint by opposers.
Counsel for Slaves and Servants Titus 2:9(NET)
9 "Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do
what is wanted and not talk back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all
good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior
in everything."
Not many of us today are slaves or servants, but many are employees and workers rendering service to others. Thus, the principles cited by Paul apply just as well today. "To be in subjection to their masters in everything," means that Christians are to show their employers and supervisors respect. They must be honest workers giving a full days work as their employer's due, and also maintain a high standard of Christian conduct,"in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything."Titus 2:9
Does Paul referring to all teaching in general or some specific doctrine?
Paul in his writing is urging fellow Christians to fill their mind with wholesome Bible teachings, and not a specific doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
16 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for [b]training in righteousness;"