that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
God Himself taught them to love one another; that is the livery of Christ's family. Notice their love extends through all Macedonia, not only to their own city or kindred believers. The Spirit's teaching surpasses any man's, and men teach in vain unless God teach.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
honestly--in the Old English sense, "becomingly," as becomes your Christian profession; not bringing discredit on it in the eyes of the outer world, as if Christianity led to sloth and poverty (Rom 13:13; Pe1 2:12). them . . . without--outside the Christian Church (Mar 4:11). have lack of nothing--not have to beg from others for the supply of your wants (compare Eph 4:28).
That ye may walk honestly,.... Decently, in good credit and reputation, providing things honest in the sight of all men, for themselves and families, and honestly paying every man his own; on which account it became them to mind their own business, and work at their trades; otherwise their walk and conversation would be scandalous, and not honest and honourable: toward them that are without...