CRETIANS. Titus1:12 Epimenides was a Cretan philosopher who lived 600 years before Christ came to earth. He was regarded as a prophet by many and was highly respected among the people. He was the one whom Paul quoted when he stated that Cretans were always liars. They were considered such throughout the entire Mediterranean region, where people used the expression "to Cretanize,” meaning "to lie.”
Paul used this phrase from Greek literature to emphasize to Titus that his ministry and leadership were needed in Crete. “Evil beasts” describes a character trait indicating they couldn’t be trusted because they might turn on those who show confidence in them. Lazy gluttons, “slow bellies,” is a very descriptive word that reveals their aversion to work and taking serious responsibility for themselves and others.
Honest work aimed at providing for one’s family, oneself, and others is a strong reflection of a person’s character. Relying on others to fulfill your needs when you are capable of doing it yourself is childish, demeaning, deceptive, and dishonest. Recently, new words have emerged that reflect a modern version of the same attitude. “Entitlement,” “enabling,” and “supportive” are terms that simply soften the harsh truth when people expect others to meet their needs and wants.
Responsibility, along with the value and satisfaction that come from work, needs to be taught to children at an early age. It is then demonstrated by parents who work hard to meet their family's needs and is reflected in Christians overall. A person's testimony is strengthened when they “provide for their own” and see the poor, widows, and orphans as responsibilities they must fulfill as members of God's family.