1 Thessalonians 2:5

For we never appeared ¹  with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.

For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—

Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you very well know. And God is our witness that we were not just pretending to be your friends so you would give us money!

We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you.

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,

As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed;

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness––God is witness.

For we never appeared ¹  with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –

¹ tn Or “came on the scene,” “came.”