1 Thessalonians 2:3-8
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 2
3For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts. 5For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is our witness— 6nor did we seek honor from people, either from you or from others, though we could have asserted our authority as apostles of Christ. 7But we proved to be gentle among you. As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children, 8in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.King James Version
Chapter 2
3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.Christian Standard Bible
Chapter 2
3For our exhortation didn't come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. 4Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. 5For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives--God is our witness-- 6and we didn't seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 7Although we could have been a burden as Christ's apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. 8We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.New Living Translation
4For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.
5Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!
6As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.
English Standard Version
Chapter 2
3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.New International Version
Chapter 2
3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. 6We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.New King James Version
4But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
5For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness— God is witness.
6Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
7But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.