proper
“Proper” translates the Greek adjective πρέπω (prepō), and is used here in the sense of being suitable or appropriate. In clear contrast to the false teachers and other rebellious men described in chapter 1, Titus’ speech was to consist of things which were consistent with the sound or “healthy” doctrine according to the word of God. These are the things which are acceptable or proper to be spoken in the church.

sensibility
This translation renders σωφρονίζω (sōphronizō) here as “sensibility.” In traditional English, “sensibility” can refer to a person’s capacity to be easily emotional or offended. However, as a consistent, contextual translation of the Greek, the term sensibility is accurate and helps the reader connect to the broader theme of sensibleness in Titus (e.g., Titus 1:8; 2:2, 5). Sensibility is to be found not just in elders and older men but in older and younger women. For further discussion see the note on 1 Timothy 2:9.

slandered
“Slandered” is rendered by the Greek word βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō). In this translation, when the word refers to human people and doctrine it is rendered as “slander” (e. g., 1 Tim 6:1; 1 Pet 4:4). But when it refers to God and other supernatural entities, it is blaspheme (e.g., 2 Pet 2:10–12; Jude 8–10).

model
“Model” is the rendering of the singular word τύπος (typos). This word refers to something which can produce an exact copy, like an image on a stamp which is reproduced on whatever is stamped. The English word “model” seeks to convey this sense. When the word is plural (τυποι; typoi), this translation renders it as “examples” (e.g., 1 Cor 10:6). Here, Paul urges Titus to be a model of good works so that those in the Cretan church might reproduce his example.

irreproachable
Translations vary on how to render the nuance of this Greek term, but “irreproachable” captures an accurate sense of the term ακαταγνωστος (akatagnōstos), especially since the form of the English matches the Greek by its negative prefix (“ir-” and “α-” (a-) respectively). There are several synonyms that convey the general idea of blamelessness, each with various degrees of nuance. For example: ἀνέγκλητος (anenklētos) is “beyond reproach” (1 Cor 1:8), ανεπιλημπτος (anepilēmptos) is “above reproach” or “without reproach” (1 Tim 3:2), αμωμος (amōmos) is “blameless/unblemished” (Eph 1:4), and ασπιλος (aspilos) is “spotless” (1 Pet 1:19). The use of this particular term in this passage refers to the quality of someone’s speech, namely, that it is of such a character that if any opponents want to find grounds of accusation based upon something that was said, their search will come up empty.

not contradicting
The Greek word ἀντιλέγω (antilegō) rendered “contradicting”, also occurs in 1:9. The idea is that those in subjection (like slaves) are not to adopt the attitudes of false teachers who threaten the health of the Church. Rather, those who lead must be able to model and apply leadership characteristics to those they lead (1:9).

denying
The translation “denying” reflects the participial form of ἀρνησάμενοι (arnēsamenoi). Participles play a supporting role to the main verb of a sentence, and are thus intentionally translated in such a way that the reader can clearly recognize the main idea of a verse and how the modifying words like participles support that idea. Here, the main idea is how “we should live” (ζήσωμεν; zēsōmen)—sensibly, righteously, and godly. This kind of living necessitates first “denying ungodliness and worldly desires,” as the preceding participial phrase communicates. This is consistent with the biblical teaching that the “putting off” of unrighteous behavior should precede “putting on” righteous actions instead (Eph 4:22–24; Col 3:9–10). The accurate translation of the participial phrase here helps to bring this concept out more clearly in this verse.