2 Corinthians 4:2

¹ Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

⁴ The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
KJV: But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
WEB: But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
ASV: but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man`s conscience in the sight of God.
DARBY: But we have rejected the hidden things of shame, not walking in deceit, nor falsifying the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God.
BLB: But we renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor distorting the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God.

ÅB: men vi har sagt oss løs fra alle skammelige snikveier og farer ikke fram med list, heller ikke forfalsker vi Guds ord, men ved å kunngjøre sannheten anbefaler vi oss til alle menneskers samvittighet for Guds åsyn.
OTB: Men vi har fornektet de skjulte ting av skam, ikke vandrende i bedrag eller forvrenge Guds ord, men ved å åpent erklære sannheten, anbefaler vi oss selv til hver persons samvittighet i Guds nærvær.
B1930: men vi har sagt oss løs fra alle skammelige snikveier og farer ikke frem med list, heller ikke forfalsker vi Guds ord, men ved å kunngjøre sannheten anbefaler vi oss til alle menneskers samvittighet for Guds åsyn.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Read in context
1 Thessalonians 2:3–5
For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
Read in context
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 6:4–7
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
Read in context
Ephesians 5:12
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
Read in context
2 Corinthians 11:3
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
Read in context