1st Thessalonians Chapter 2 verse 5 Holy Bible
For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;
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For it is common knowledge among you that we never made use of smooth-sounding false words, and God is witness that at no time were we secretly desiring profit for ourselves,
read chapter 2 in BBE
For we have not at any time been [among you] with flattering discourse, even as ye know, nor with a pretext for covetousness, God [is] witness;
read chapter 2 in DARBY
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
read chapter 2 in KJV
read chapter 2 in WBT
For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),
read chapter 2 in WEB
for at no time did we come with speech of flattery, (as ye have known,) nor in a pretext for covetousness, (God `is' witness!)
read chapter 2 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 5. - For; confirming the statement that the preachers of the gospel did not seek to please men, but God. Neither at any time used we flattering words; endeavoring to gain you by flattery and praise; we did not pander to your feelings; we did not soften the demands of the gospel. As ye know, nor a cloak - or pretext - of covetousness. We did not use the gospel as a pretext to mask our real motive, which was covetousness, pretending to seek your spiritual good, whereas in reality we sought our own advantage. Paul could with perfect confidence appeal to his converts, and say, "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel" (Acts 20:33). He was free from all sinister motives. "He did not use words such as flattery uses, or pretexts such as covetousness" (Jowett). God is witness. Paul appeals to the Thessalonians themselves that he had not used flattering words; so now he appeals to God that the motive of his conduct was not covetousness. Men can judge the external conduct, they can hear the flattering words; but God only can know the motive of action - he only can discern the covetousness.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) At any time.--Not only during the stay at Thessalonica, but neither at Thessalonica nor elsewhere, as the next verse shows. But as the Thessalonians can only be appealed to as evidence for their own experience, the writers therefore call God Himself to witness. At the same time, the absence of flattering words was a thing of which human witnesses could judge; the freedom from covetous designs was known to God alone.Cloke of covetousness--i.e., some specious pretext, under cover of which we might gain a worldly advantage; so (though the Greek word is different) 1Peter 2:16, "a cloke of maliciousness."
