After giving instructions about older men in the congregation, Paul now turns to the older women: “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.” Titus 2:3. Cross-generational relationships are Jesus' design for the Body of Christ (see Titus 2).
Notice that Paul says “likewise.” That means that these older women are to be godly exemplars just like the older men are. And Paul specifies particular attributes: “Reverent in behavior” means behavior that is worthy of a holy person (Montanari). There is a verbal link to what Paul says in verse one about that which is “fitting with sound doctrine.” This term calls for behavior that is “fitting with holiness.” Paul zeroes in on two very specific besetting sins that are not in accord with holy behavior.
“Not slanderers.” To slander someone means to assassinate someone’s character with your words. The NASB translates the term as “malicious gossips.” The malevolent attempt to destroy someone’s reputation and character with your words is not in keeping with holiness. In fact, this term is one of the names that the Bible gives to the Devil—Diabolos. He is a slanderer. Slander is the devil’s work and is completely at odds with holy behavior.
