1 Thessalonians 4:12

that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.

May walk becomingly ... Again Paul employed the metaphor in which "walk" is used for living the whole of life.

Toward them that are without ... Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians have a good reputation among the non-Christian population, a goal which should be of concern to Christians of all generations. A good reputation of the saved for minding their own business and conducting holy and blameless lives not only made them more acceptable to their pagan compatriots, but also commended the gospel to persons not yet obedient to it.

Have need of nothing ... That person who through indolence or lack of application finds himself continually in need of assistance from others is, in fact, a parasite. It is the Christian's first business to take care of himself and his dependents. As Barclay expressed it:

The effect of the conduct of some of the Thessalonians was that others had to support them. Paul told them that they must aim at independence and never become spongers on charity. It is the Christian's duty to help others; for many, through no fault of their own, cannot attain independence; but it is also the Christian's duty to help himself.[20]

For the better part of a whole chapter devoted to the development of the thought Paul expressed in this verse, reference is made to my Commentary on the Ten Commandments, pp. 53-57.