Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Parallel translations
- WEB Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
- BSB For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
- NKJV providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
- NASB for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people.
- NLT We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul aims to do what is honorable not only before God but also in the eyes of others. Integrity should be visible as well as real.
Overview
Echoing Proverbs 3:4, Paul insists on conduct that is upright before both the Lord and people. It is not enough to be innocent before God; ministers must also avoid giving others cause for suspicion. This twofold integrity protects the witness of the gospel and the reputation of the church.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Rom 12:17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
- 1 Pet 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
- Phil 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Titus 2:5–8To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
- Rom 14:18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
- Matt 6:4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
- 1 Th 5:22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
- 2 Cor 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
- Matt 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
- 2 Cor 5:9–11Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
- 1 Tim 5:14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
- Matt 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
- Matt 6:1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
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In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
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