2 Corinthians 4:2
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.
Study Note
Study Note
'But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God' — Paul's self-defense against implicit accusations of manipulation grounds apostolic integrity in transparent proclamation witnessed by God. The phrase 'tamper with God's word' (dolountes, adulterating) uses the vocabulary of counterfeiting and diluting goods — a powerful image for the commercial culture of Corinth. The appeal to 'every person's conscience' (syneidēsin anthrōpōn) as the court of evaluation reflects Paul's strategy in 2 Corinthians 3–5 of establishing apostolic credibility through moral transparency rather than rhetorical skill. The verse is foundational for Christian communication ethics: proclamation must be truthful, unmanipulative, and accountable to both human conscience and the divine witness.
Other Translations
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.
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;
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.
Cross References
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of …
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall …
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you …
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be …
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all …
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and …
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,