1 Thessalonians 2:5

“For neither at any time used we flattering words, etc.] To introduce them into the affections, and gain the esteem and good will of men; they did not in their ministry deliver such things as flattered men with a good opinion of themselves: they did not preach up the purity of human nature, but on the contrary the doctrine of original sin, the imputation of Adam's transgression to his posterity, and the corruption of all human nature; they asserted the universal pollution of it, of all men, and of all the powers and faculties of their souls, that they are all under the power and dominion of sin, are involved in the guilt of it, and are all guilty before God, and liable to everlasting wrath…”

“used we flattering words--literally, "become (that is, have we been found) in (the use of) language of flattery"; the resource of those who try to "please men." as ye know--"Ye know" as to whether I flattered you; as to "covetousness," GOD, the Judge of the heart, alone can be "my witness." cloak of--that is, any specious guise under which I might cloak "covetousness."”

“For neither at any time used we flattering words - see the Job 31:21-22 notes; and on 2 Corinthians 2:17 note. The word here rendered “flattering” - κολακείας kolakeias - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The meaning is, that the apostle did not deal in the language of adulation; he did not praise them for their beauty, wealth, talent, or accomplishments, and conceal from them the painful truths about their guilt and danger. He stated simple truth - not refusing to commend people if truth would admit of it, and never hesitating to declare his honest convictions about their guilt and danger. One of the principal arts of the deceiver on all subjects is flattery; and Paul says, that…”

“Flattering words - This ye know. Nor a cloak of covetousness - Of this God is witness. He calls men to witness an open fact; God, the secret intentions of the heart. In a point of a mixed nature, Th1 2:10, he appeals both to God and man. 1 Thessalonians 2:6”

“2:5 Flattery was a common means of getting financial gain from others. Paul denies that he flattered the Thessalonians in order to be given money. He again calls both the Thessalonians and God as witnesses (cp. 2:10; Deut 19:15; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19).”

“used: Job 17:5, Job 32:21, Job 32:22; Psa 12:2, Psa 12:3; Pro 20:19, Pro 26:28, Pro 28:23; Isa 30:10; Mat 22:16; Pe2 2:18 a cloak: Isa 56:11; Jer 6:13, Jer 8:10; Mic 3:5; Mal 1:10; Mat 23:14; Act 20:33; Rom 16:18; Co2 2:17, Co2 4:2, Co2 7:2, Co2 12:17; Ti1 3:3, Ti1 3:8; Tit 1:7; Pe1 5:2; Pe2 2:3, Pe2 2:14, Pe2 2:15; Jde 1:11; Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13 God: Rom 1:9, Rom 9:1; Gal 1:20 1 Thessalonians 2:6”