Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I [am] of Apollos," are you not carnal?

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he [is] Christ's, even so we [are] Christ's.

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

not boasting of things beyond measure, [that is,] in other men's labors, but having hope, [that] as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or [if] you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted -- you may well put up with it!

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with [you.]

For all things [are] for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But [we do] all things, beloved, for your edification.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider [it?]

For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey's colt is born a man.

What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

Do not put your trust in princes, [Nor] in a son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

Sever yourselves from such a man, Whose breath [is] in his nostrils; For of what account is he?

Thus says the LORD: "Cursed [is] the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD.

For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [In] a salt land [which is] not inhabited.

"But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.

"And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me [to be] or hears from me.

Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:

And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

Your glorying [is] not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

Love suffers long [and] is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, [one] of his choice men, answered and said, "Moses my lord, forbid them!"

Then Moses said to him, "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD's people were prophets [and] that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!"

And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified -- behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"

John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in [false] humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,