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Titus 2:4
4 That [hina] they may teach [sophronizo] the young women [neos] to be [einai] sober [sophronizo], to love their husbands [philandros], to love their children [philoteknos], KJV-Interlinear
4 that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, NASB
The word for teach and the word for sober are used interchangeably as the same word, here in this verse. Both refer to the manufacture of a sound mind.
From the mature woman’s perspective, she is the teacher and instruction is her domain. From the younger girls perspective, she is the student, and learning is her obligation.
The mature woman teaches from a position of wisdom, and possessing wisdom, therefore by example. The mature woman cannot teach with tools that she does not possess. Therefore she must first learn and grow up, before she can take on the responsibility of teaching younger children.
Most certainly, a woman should not have children before she is prepared. That is to say, baby’s having baby’s is not a good idea and only asks for trouble in many forms.
A word for advice. Young girls should get their educations first, and then be established for life, before they begin their families. Ones life can be far better with prior preparation than otherwise.
Paul teaches here, that the woman needs to learn first, then she will be able to love her husband and her children with the proper attitude, emotions, and concern as is expected of a mature wife and mother.
The word for love of husband, ‘philandros,’ means to be fond of a man in the normal sense that a female wants a man in her life. This expresses the normal approach to life from the woman’s perspective, but it also eliminates the abnormal lifestyle that is so common these days.
Likewise, ‘philoteknos’ represents the proper affection, the maternal behavior that a mother has for her children. Far too often we see broken homes, immature or unprepared girls, or women, who inflict abuse on their children, abandon their children, treat their children as though they are an inconvenience in their (the mom’s) life.
This of course is not limited to women, because there are certainly abusive men in the world as well.
The principle is the issue here, not the gender of the subject in this verse.
When the young person, and here we are speaking of young women or girls, enter life prepared, then their success in life, in marriage, and in love are greatly enhanced.
And preparation is all tied to ones knowledge of the scriptures. A strong spiritual life guarantees success in life, regardless of your circumstances. A weak spiritual life guarantees hardships and heartaches that will be difficult to deal with, and only sorrow and an unfulfilled life is the result.
