2 Corinthians 4:2 “Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practic…”

2 Corinthians 4:2

Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

World English Bible

But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

American Standard Version

but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Geneva Bible 1599

But haue cast from vs ye clokes of shame, and walke not in craftines, neither handle we the worde of God deceitfully: but in declaration of the trueth we approue our selues to euery mans conscience in the sight of God.

Darby Translation

But we have rejected the hidden things of shame, not walking in deceit, nor falsifying the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God.

Young's Literal Translation

but did renounce for ourselves the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor deceitfully using the word of God, but by the manifestation of the truth recommending ourselves unto every conscience of men, before God;

Bible in Basic English

And we have given up the secret things of shame, not walking in false ways, and not making use of the word of God with deceit; but by the revelation of what is true, as before God, we have the approval of every man's sense of right and wrong.

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Cross references

“renounced”

1 Corinthians 4:5

1 Corinthians 4:5 · BSB

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from…

“dishonesty”

Ephesians 5:12 Romans 1:16 Romans 6:21

Ephesians 5:12 · BSB

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

Romans 1:16 · BSB

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Romans 6:21 · BSB

What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.

“not”

2 Corinthians 2:17 1 Thessalonians 2:3–5 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 2 Corinthians 11:3 Ephesians 4:14 2 Corinthians 1:12

2 Corinthians 2:17 · BSB

For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

1 Thessalonians 2:3–5 · BSB

For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 · BSB

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 · BSB

I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

Ephesians 4:14 · BSB

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

2 Corinthians 1:12 · BSB

For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of…

“by”

2 Corinthians 5:11 2 Corinthians 6:4–7 2 Corinthians 7:14

2 Corinthians 5:11 · BSB

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.

2 Corinthians 6:4–7 · BSB

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

2 Corinthians 7:14 · BSB

Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well.

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

In context

1Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

Read 2 Corinthians 4