2 Corinthians 8:21
ESV
for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord 's sight but also in the sight of man.
NIV
For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
NASB
for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people.
CSB
Indeed, we are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people.
NLT
We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.
KJV
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
NKJV
providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 mean?
Paul has welcomed an appointed representative of the Macedonian churches to join the group collecting and distributing donations for suffering Christians in Jerusalem. The man will travel with Titus to Corinth for that purpose (2 Corinthians 8:16–19).This is described as part of a strategy to give as much legitimacy to the collection as possible. Paul doesn't want anyone to have a valid cause to blame him or any of his associates for skimming any of the donations for themselves. More eyes joining the party will not only help to keep this from happening, it will give confidence to others that everything is being done with integrity and transparency.
The goal of this tactic is not merely to avoid an appearance of wrongdoing. Paul's aim, stated in this verse, is to faithfully do what is honorable in the sight of the Lord, as well as in the sight of others. Paul is modeling a standard that should be followed by all Christian churches and organizations that receive donations. An active attitude of openness and transparency should be the rule at all times. This is not because people who handle those funds are inherently untrustworthy; it is to take away any valid reasons to question their trustworthiness.
