1 Thessalonians 4:12

“That ye may walk honestly, etc.] Decently, in good credit and reputation, providing things honest in the sight of all men, for themselves and families, and honestly paying every man his own; on which account it became them to mind their own business, and work at their trades; otherwise their walk and conversation would be scandalous, and not honest and honourable: toward them that are without: the men of the world, who were without the church; (see <460512>1 Corinthians 5:12) profane sinners, unconverted Gentiles, that were without Christ and hope, and God in the world, and were aliens and strangers; and yet care should be taken that no occasion be given to such to reproach the name of God,…”

“honestly--in the Old English sense, "becomingly," as becomes your Christian profession; not bringing discredit on it in the eyes of the outer world, as if Christianity led to sloth and poverty (Rom 13:13; Pe1 2:12). them . . . without--outside the Christian Church (Mar 4:11). have lack of nothing--not have to beg from others for the supply of your wants (compare Eph 4:28). So far from needing to beg from others, we ought to work and get the means of supplying the need of others. Freedom from pecuniary embarrassment is to be desired by the Christian on account of the liberty which it bestows.”

“That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without - Out of the church; comp notes on Colossians 4:5. The word rendered honestly, means “becomingly, decorously, in a proper manner;” Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 14:40. It does not refer here to mere honesty in the transaction of business, but to their general treatment of those who were not professing Christians. They were to conduct themselves toward them in all respects in a becoming manner - to be honest with them; to be faithful to their engagements; to be kind and courteous in their conversation; to show respect where it was due, and to endeavor in every way to do them good. There are few precepts of religion more important than those…”

“Decently - That they may have no pretence to say, (but they will say it still,) "This religion makes men idle, and brings them to beggary." And may want nothing - Needful for life and godliness. What Christian desires more? 1 Thessalonians 4:13”

“4:12 Self-sufficiency and decorum would win the recognition and respect of people who are not believers (see Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 5:12-13; Col 4:5).”

“ye may walk: Th1 5:22; Rom 12:17, Rom 13:13; Co2 8:20, Co2 8:21; Phi 4:8; Tit 2:8-10; Pe1 2:12; Pe1 3:16, Pe1 3:17 them: Mar 4:11; Co1 5:12, Co1 5:13; Col 4:5; Ti1 3:7; Pe1 3:1 nothing: or, no man, Co2 11:7-9 1 Thessalonians 4:13”