Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:21

"for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." — 2 Corinthians 8:21 (ASV)

Providing for honest things. The expression used here occurs in Romans 12:17. See the notes on Romans 12:17.

In that place, however, it refers to the manner in which we are to treat those who injure us; here it refers to the right way of using property. It seems to have been a kind of maxim by which Paul regulated his life—a vade mecum that was applicable to everything.

The sentiment is that we are to ensure beforehand that all our conduct is comely or honest. The word translated "providing for" (pronooumenoi) means foreseeing or perceiving beforehand. The idea is that we are to make it a matter of previous calculation, a settled plan, something to be attended to by deliberate design.

In the middle voice, the form in which it occurs here, it means to provide for in one's own behalf, to apply oneself to anything, to practice diligently—Robinson. The word translated "things honest" (kala) properly means beautiful or comely. The idea presented here is that we are to see beforehand, or make it a matter of set purpose, that what we do is to be comely—that is, just, honorable, correct—not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Paul applies this in his own case to the alms that were to be entrusted to him. His idea is that he meant so to conduct himself in the whole transaction that his conduct should be approved by God, and also be regarded as beautiful or correct in the sight of men.

He knew how much his own usefulness depended on an irreproachable character. Therefore, he arranged for someone who had the entire confidence of the churches to travel with him. But there is no reason to confine this principle to the particular case under consideration. It seems to have been the leading maxim of Paul's life, and it should be of ours.

This maxim may be applied to everything we do and should constantly regulate us. It may be applied to acquiring and using property, fulfilling our professional duties, our interactions with others, our treatment of subordinates and dependents, and our charitable activities. In all these, we should make it a matter of previous thought and earnest diligence that our conduct is perfectly honest and comely before God and men.

Let us also learn from this verse that ministers of the gospel should be especially careful that their conduct in money matters, and especially in the appropriation of the church's charitable funds, is above suspicion. Much is often entrusted to their care, and churches and individual Christians often commit much to their discretion.

Their conduct in this should be without reproach. To achieve this, it is well to follow Paul's example and insist that others who have the entire confidence of the churches be associated with them. Nothing is easier than to raise a slanderous report against a minister of the gospel, and nothing gratifies a wicked world more than being able to do so—especially if it pertains to some improper use of money. It is not easy to counter such reports once they are started. A minister, therefore, should be guarded, as Paul was, at every possible point, so that he may be freed from that "whose breath is more venomous than all the worms of Nile"—SLANDER.