that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,
blameless and harmless--without either the repute of mischief, or the inclination to do it [ALFORD]. sons--rather as Greek, "the children of God" (Rom 8:14-16). Imitation of our heavenly Father is the instinctive guide to our duty as His children, more than any external law (Mat 5:44-45, Mat 5:48). without rebuke--"without (giving handle for) reproach." The whole verse tacitly refers by contrast to Deu 32:5, "Their spot . . .
Do your duty without finding fault with it. Mind your work, do not quarrel with it; God's commands were given to be obeyed, not disputed. His service is freedom, His work its own reward. Walk so circumspectly that even the severest censurer may have no occasion to cavil at you.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 2:14-18
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (7) To be short, he requires a life without fault, and pure, so that being enlightened with the word of God, they may shine in the darkness of this world.