⁵ For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

⁵ We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you.

⁵ For we never came with words of flattery,[1] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-- God is witness.