Definition: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Titus 1:11. It's a warning about the dangers of teaching things that go against God’s word or are misused for personal gain. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that people who teach things they shouldn’t, using money and effort, are setting themselves up to cause trouble and disruption. It's like a slippery slope – they start with seemingly harmless teaching, but it eventually leads to something harmful. Let’s unpack the parts: “Whose mouths must be stopped” : This is a metaphorical statement. It doesn't mean someone physically can stop speaking. Instead, it means that those who teach things wrong should not be allowed to speak or share them. It’s a warning against being open to teaching something that isn’t true or helpful. “Who subvert whole houses” : This is the key image. "Houses" represent the church – God's community and body of believers. When someone teaches things that are wrong, they are destroying the foundation of the church - their unity, trust, and faith. They are dismantling what’s good and right. It suggests a deliberate effort to undermine God's truth. “Teaching things which they ought not” : This is the specific action being condemned. These aren’t just any old teachings; they're teaching that goes against God’s principles, scripture, or the true understanding of faith. It implies deception, false teachings, and a disregard for God’s guidance. “For filthy lucre— : This is where it gets deeper. “Filthy lucreâ-” means "dirty profit" or "wasteful effort." It highlights that these teachers are often motivated by greed, seeking wealth through teaching rather than genuine spiritual growth or the spreading of truth. It suggests a focus on materialism and self-interest over God's purpose. In simpler terms: This verse is telling us to be careful about what we teach. If you’re teaching something that goes against God’s word, even if you think you’re doing it for good, it can ultimately cause harm to others – to the church, or even to people's lives. It encourages us to prioritize truth and wisdom over personal gain. Why is this important? The Bible emphasizes that true teaching should always be rooted in God's word and guided by a desire to share His truth. Teaching things that are harmful or misleading undermines this purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss how this verse applies to modern-day situations? Give an example of a situation where this warning is particularly important?