Simply Sincere

2 Cor. 1:12“…in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

The word translated as “holiness” is translated as “simplicity” in other versions. One of the reasons for variety of translation is that this word (hagiotēs) appears only once in scripture. Its root is the word commonly translated “holy,” but it seems to have more meaning here. So there are various translations of this verse:

KJV, NKJV, ESV“simplicity and godly sincerity”

ASV“holiness and sincerity of God”  “from God” (NIV)

CEV“honestly and sincerely”

NRSV“frankness and godly sincerity”

CSB“godly sincerity and purity”

Sincerity is in every translation and the variety of translations give the other as “simplicity, holiness, honesty, frankness or purity.” The connecting thread of all of these is open, honest, and right dealing. 

Compare this pure and helpful to others service that is our goal in Christ to what Christ condemned in the Pharisees: 

Matt. 23:14. 27“For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation…you outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness”

In Christ, the conduct towards and serve to others is to be simply good. No pretense. Just sincere and pure and good.