John Calvin 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)

Regarding Providing things honest, I believe that there were some, even among the Corinthians, who would have gone so far as to revile, if they had been given the opportunity. Therefore, he wanted them to know the situation, so that he might silence everyone everywhere. Accordingly, he declares that he is not merely concerned with having a good conscience in the sight of God, but also with having a good reputation among people.

At the same time, there can be no doubt that he intended to instruct the Corinthians, as well as all others, by his example, that when doing what is right, the opinions of others should not be disregarded. The first thing, indeed, is that a person takes care to be a good man. This is secured not by mere outward actions, but by an upright conscience. The next thing is that the people with whom you interact recognize you as such.

Here, however, the objective must be carefully considered. Certainly, nothing is worse than ambition, which corrupts the best things in the world, disfigures, I say, what is most graceful, and makes sacrifices of the sweetest smell have an offensive odor before the Lord.

Therefore, this matter is precarious, so care must be taken that one does not pretend to desire a good reputation, like Paul, while being very far from having Paul’s disposition; for he provided things honest in the sight of men so that no one might be caused to stumble by his example, but that, on the contrary, all might be edified. Therefore, if we desire to be like him, we must take care that we are not desirous of a good name for our own sake.

“He who is regardless of fame,” says Augustine, “is cruel, because it is no less necessary before our neighbor than a good conscience is before God.” This is true, provided you seek the welfare of your fellow believers with a view to God’s glory, and in the meantime are prepared to bear reproaches and disgrace instead of commendation, if the Lord should see fit. Let a Christian, however, always take care to frame his life with a view to the edification of his neighbors, and diligently take heed that the ministers of Satan will have no pretext for reviling, to the dishonor of God and the offense of the good.