Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
In these words the apostle mentions the great duties, I. Of brotherly love. This he exhorts them to increase in yet more and more. The exhortation is introduced, not with a compliment, but with a commendation, because they were remarkable in the exercise of it, which made it less needful that he should write to them about it, Th1 4:9.
Commenting on 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
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...
Verse 12. That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without. Out of the church. Comp. . The word rendered honestly, means becomingly, decorously, in a proper manner. . It does not refer here to mere honesty in the transaction of business, but to their general treatment of those who were not professing Christians.