1I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and softness of Christ, which when I am present among you, am of no reputation, but am bold toward you being absent. 2I beseech you that I need not to be bold when I am present (with that same confidence, wherewith I am supposed to be bold) against some which repute us as though we walked carnally. 3Nevertheless though we walk compassed with the flesh, yet we war not fleshly. 4For the weapons of our war are not carnal things, but things mighty in God to cast down strongholds, 5wherewith we overthrow imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity all understanding to the obedience of Christ, 6and are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7Look ye on things after the utter appearance. If any man trust in himself that he is Christis, let the same also consider of himself, that as he is Christis, even so are we Christe's. 8And though I should boast myself somewhat more of our authority which the Lord hath given us to edify and not to destroy you, it should not be to my shame. 9This say I, lest I should seem as though I went about to make you afraid with letters. 10For the pistels (saith he) are sore and strong: but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech homely. 11Let him that is such think on this wise, that as we are in words by letters when we are absent, such are we in deeds when we are present.

12For we cannot find in our hearts to make ourselves of the number of them, or to compare ourselves to them, which laud themselves: but while they measure themselves with themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they understand nought. 13But we will not rejoice above measure: but according to the quantity of the measure which God hath distributed unto us, a measure that reacheth even unto you. 14For we stretch not out ourselves beyond measure as though we had not reached unto you. For even unto you have we come with the gospel of Christ, 15and we boast not ourselves out of measure in other men's labors: yea and we hope, When your faith is increased among you, to be magnified according to our measure more largely: 16And to preach the gospel in those regions which are beyond you: and not to rejoice of that which is by another man's measure prepared all ready. 17Let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in the Lord. 18For he that praiseth himself, is not allowed: but he whom the Lord praiseth.