“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people — the behavioral requirements translate theological virtue into daily conduct: blasphemein (speaking evil) is prohibited universally, quarreling (machē) avoided, gentleness (epieikeia — reasonableness) cultivated, courtesy (prautes — meekness) displayed to all. The universal scope (pros pantas) extends Christian virtue beyond the congregation, witness to the watching world.
Church Fathers on Titus 3:2
What then? Even when men do evil, may we not revile them? Nay, but “to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man.” Hear the exhortation, “To speak evil of no man.” Our lips should be pure from reviling. For if our reproaches are true, it is not for us to utter them, but for the Judge to enquire into the matter. “For why,” he says, “do you judge your brother?” Romans 14:10 But if they are not true, how great the fire. Hear what the thief says to his fellow-thief.…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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