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.

The thought of this verse is surely contained in Proverbs 3:4, which reads: "So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." It is not enough for God to know that a man's conscience is clear; he should order his affairs in such a manner that people will also be aware of it. Paul surely did this; and therefore the notion is rejected that Paul was always trying to respond to slanders of his enemies. He did not wait until slander was alleged but took steps to refute lies before they were spoken. Plumptre thought it remarkable that Paul evidently found help for his daily guidance from the book of Proverbs, showing that even one who was taught by the Spirit "could find daily guidance in a book which seems to many almost below the level of the spiritual life."[26]