But what I am doing, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity of those who desire an opportunity, that in what they boast they may be found just as we [are].

To our shame, I say that we were too weak [for that]! But in whatever anyone is bold (I speak foolishly) I am bold also.

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] even more: in labors far more, in beatings immeasurably, in imprisonments far more, in deaths often.

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.

For we are not overextending ourselves, as though our authority did not reach to you, for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;

to preach the gospel to the [regions] beyond you, [and] not to boast in the things done in the sphere [of influence] of others.

For not he who commends himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the strong man boast in his strength, and let not the rich man boast in his wealth;

but let him that boasts boast in this: the understanding and knowing that I am the Lord that exercises mercy, and judgment, and righteousness upon the earth; for in these things is My pleasure, says the Lord.

We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are despised!

For "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of [the] grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away,

Concerning such a one I will boast, but concerning myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

For if I should desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak [the] truth. But I spare [you], lest anyone consider me to be beyond what he sees me [to be] or hears something from me.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me! For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing have I been inferior to the super apostles, though I am nothing.