4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without. Becomingly in the sight of those without. It would be a reproach if the heathen could say, This new religion makes men idle and brings them to beggary.
And [that] ye may have lack of nothing. The necessaries supplied by labor are especially meant.
4:12 Decently - That they may have no pretence to say, (but they will say it still,) This religion makes men idle, and brings them to beggary. And may want nothing - Needful for life and godliness. What Christian desires more?
4:9-12 We should notice in others what is good, to their praise, that we may engage them to abound therein more and more. All who are savingly taught of God, are taught to love one another. The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teachings of men; and men's teaching is vain and useless, unless God teach. Those remarkable for this or any other grace, need to increase therein, as well as to persevere to the end. It is very desirable to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. Satan is busy to trouble us; and we have in our hearts what disposes us to be unquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, have little quiet in their own minds, and cause great disturbances among their neighbours. They seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands. Christianity does not take us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. People often by slothfulness reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants; while such as are diligent in their own business, earn their own bread, and have great pleasure in so doing.
