1st Thessalonians Chapter 4 verse 12 Holy Bible
that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
read chapter 4 in ASV
That you may be respected by those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
read chapter 4 in BBE
that ye may walk reputably towards those without, and may have need of no one.
read chapter 4 in DARBY
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
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read chapter 4 in WBT
that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
read chapter 4 in WEB
that ye may walk becomingly unto those without, and may have lack of nothing.
read chapter 4 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 12. - That ye walk honestly; that is, honorably; seemly. Toward them that are without; without the pale of the Christian Church, toward those who are not Christians, whether Jews or Gentiles, the unbelieving world. So also, in another Epistle, the apostle says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without" (Colossians 4:5). That ye may have lack of nothing; either neuter, of no thing; or perhaps rather masculine, of no man; that ye be under no necessity of asking assistance either from heathens or from fellow-Christians; inasmuch as working with your hands will put you in possession of what is necessary for life; whereas idleness necessarily involves poverty and dependence on others.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) Honestly.--Not in our modern sense of the word, but "honourably," "creditably."Toward--i.e., "in reference to," "in your connection with." The heathen were certain to be watching the conduct of the members of the new religion, and it would bring down political suspicion if they were seen to be acting more like agitators for a secret society than honest citizens who worked at their handicraft and calling.Of nothing.--Right: the marginal version is hardly consistent with the Greek. Two purposes will be fulfilled by their industry: (1) to allay heathen suspicion; (2) to be well supplied themselves. It seems as if they had been reduced to begging of other Churches in return for their own expensive charities.
