Not a Slanderer or Addict (Part 3 – Titus 2:3-5)
December 19, 2025
As mentioned in a previous post, I am getting my head around the reality that I am now the “older” generation. I am exploring my new role as an older woman and have landed on what St. Paul wrote to Titus about the conduct and responsibility of older women in the church. Titus 2:3-5 in the Wuest translation says this:
Aged women likewise, that they be worthy of reverence in their demeanor, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good, in order that they may train the young women to be fond of their husbands, to be fond of their children, to be discreet, chaste, workers at home, kind, in subjection to their own husbands with implicit obedience, in order that the word of God may not be reproachfully spoken of.
Today, I center up on the part of verse 3 that expects a worthy “aged” woman to not be a slanderer. I looked up the definition of slanderer. It is essentially someone who makes a false verbal statement that damages someone’s reputation.
A great article on the Got Questions.org website What Does the Bible Say About Slander? describes gossip as collecting someone’s secrets and passing them along to others, and slander as making stuff up about someone and broadcasting it for the purpose of damaging the reputation of others. Slander is a lie and a close relative of gossip and bearing false witness. God hates lies of all kinds. Proverbs 6 says:
16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren. (AMPC)
Unfortunately, in our current political climate, slander is alive and well. People, including elected leaders, make up falsehoods and spread them around to gain votes or financial benefits, such as more campaign contributions. It seems that all a slanderer needs to do is post something on social media and thousands of others will repost it, as if it is truth. While St. Paul was not thinking about reposting falsehoods on social media when he spoke so directly against slanderers, it still applies. Reposting slander makes me a slanderer. Just because I did not make up the original slander, passing it along is still slander. Unless I do the necessary homework to validate the negative allegations made by someone who has something to gain from slandering an opponent, I must be wary of reposting slanderous accusations. As a Christian striving to be a wise older woman, I am called to a higher standard, even in this modern world.
Regarding Paul’s further admonition to older women not to be enslaved to much wine, it is easy to see that someone actively addicted to anything (alcohol, drugs, porn, sex, gambling, and so forth) would not serve as a good teacher or mentor. The all-consuming pursuit of an addiction causes a person to be undependable, unstable, and a poor role model. St. Paul is stressing that this behavior is an embarrassment to both the family and the church as a representative of God’s Word.
One thing I really love about my faith in Jesus Christ is the power of the blood of Jesus to redeem me from sin and death. I know many godly women who have become excellent role models and teachers of young women once they have kicked their addiction. They are amazing witnesses of the Gospel who have much empathy and give hope to younger people who are struggling themselves. As a believer in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Jesus lives inside us providing supernatural power to us to overcome the sin that holds us in bondage and restore us back to the Father, the church, and even to our family. Praise, God for that help!
Prayer: Father, Your Word clearly states that You abhor lies and slander. Forgive me Lord for the times I have slandered others whether I was the originator or simply one who passed it along. Put a guard on my mouth so that I know to stop before I intentionally or inadvertently slander, gossip, or lie. Reveal to me, O Lord, anything in my life that is an obsession or addiction. I call on the name of Jesus to put the people and things across my path that will break the power of that addiction or obsession on my life. You are a good, good God. You want what is best for me and for the women who come to know You through my influence. Thank you. Amen.