...to be chaste...

According to Strong's, the Greek word used here is hagnos meaning pure.  In Thayer's I found the specific definition applied in this verse is the concept of being pure from carnality and being modest.  For a little more clarification, I turned to the Oxford American Dictionary and found the term modesty (of a woman) to mean "dressing or behaving so as to avoid impropriety or indecency, especially to avoid attracting sexual attention."  If we are to be women professing godliness then our overall conduct (speech, dress, actions) need to be pure.

We find this word again in Philippians 4:8 when Paul instructs the brethren as to what they should be filling their minds with: "whatever things are pure."  God wants us to be very careful what we are putting into our minds and hearts "for out of the abundance of [the] heart [the] mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45)  We as women striving to conduct ourselves in a godly manner would do well to only fill our hearts with pure thoughts and ideas.  If we do this, it will be much easier for our conduct to be pure. 

Peter writes a special exhortation to women whose husbands have not obeyed the Gospel.  He says "that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." (1 Peter 3:1, 2)  Our conduct has the potential to greatly influence those around us, even beyond those whom we are closest to.

May we strive today, and every day, to become more pure, discreet and loving towards our husbands and children.

God bless!