1 Thessalonians 2:5 “As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed.…”

1 Thessalonians 2:5

As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

World English Bible

For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),

American Standard Version

For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;

Geneva Bible 1599

Neither yet did we euer vse flattering wordes, as ye knowe, nor coloured couetousnes, God is recorde.

Darby Translation

For we have not at any time been [among you] with flattering discourse, even as ye know, nor with a pretext for covetousness, God [is] witness;

Young's Literal Translation

for at no time did we come with speech of flattery, (as ye have known,) nor in a pretext for covetousness, (God [is] witness!)

Bible in Basic English

For it is common knowledge among you that we never made use of smooth-sounding false words, and God is witness that at no time were we secretly desiring profit for ourselves,

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Cross references

“used”

Job 17:5 Proverbs 20:19 Proverbs 28:23 Isaiah 30:10 Matthew 22:16 2 Peter 2:18

Job 17:5 · BSB

If a man denounces his friends for a price, the eyes of his children will fail.

Proverbs 20:19 · BSB

He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.

Proverbs 28:23 · BSB

He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

Isaiah 30:10 · BSB

They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

Matthew 22:16 · BSB

They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no…

2 Peter 2:18 · BSB

With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.

“a cloke”

2 Corinthians 12:17 Acts 20:33 2 Peter 2:3 2 Corinthians 7:2 Titus 1:7 1 Peter 5:2

2 Corinthians 12:17 · BSB

Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?

Acts 20:33 · BSB

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

2 Peter 2:3 · BSB

In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

2 Corinthians 7:2 · BSB

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.

Titus 1:7 · BSB

As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

1 Peter 5:2 · BSB

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

“God”

Romans 1:9 Galatians 1:20 Romans 9:1

Romans 1:9 · BSB

God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

Galatians 1:20 · BSB

I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie.

Romans 9:1 · BSB

I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.

Also

1 Thessalonians 2:10 Matthew 23:13

1 Thessalonians 2:10 · BSB

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.

Matthew 23:13 · BSB

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

4Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

6Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2