NASB
"For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness--"
— 1 Thessalonians 2:5, NASB
“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:”
“For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness; ”
“For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),”
“For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed– God is our witness–”
“For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as you know: nor taken an occasion of covetousness (God is witness):”
“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,”
“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:”
but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;
but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness--
nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.
Having so fond an affection 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 very dear to us.