For we dare not to class ourselves or to compare ourselves with those who commend themselves, but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, do not understand.

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or [letters] of recommendation from you?

For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give to you an opportunity of boasting on our behalf, so that you may have [an answer] for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.

Every man seems to himself righteous, but the Lord directs the hearts.

Let your neighbor, and not your own mouth, praise you; a stranger, and not your own lips.

And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. Because that which is exalted among men is an abomination before God.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

I fast twice a week, I tithe [on] all things, as many as I acquire.'

I say to you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted."

but in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God: in much endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses,

Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is honorable, though we may be as reprobates.

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves also know--

For he that serves Christ in these things is well pleasing to God and approved by men.

Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those from the [household] of Aristobulus.

For there must also be sects among you, in order that those who are approved may become recognized among you.

Be diligent to show yourself approved unto God, a worker unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

And the [one] who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I gained five more talents besides them.'

"And also the [one] receiving the two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'

But I have known you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.

How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and do not seek the glory which is from the only God?

for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

but he [is] a Jew that [is one] inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter, whose praise is not of men but of God.

So then judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who also will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make clear the purposes of the hearts. Then each one's praise shall come from God.

so that the genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, though being tested with fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.