11. Those people had better understand that when I am with you, I will do exactly what I say in my letters.
12. We won't dare compare ourselves with those who think so much of themselves. But they are foolish to compare themselves with themselves.
13. We won't boast about something we don't have a right to boast about. We will only boast about the work that God has sent us to do, and you are part of that work.
14. We are not boasting more than we should. After all, we did bring the message about Christ to you.
15. We don't boast about what others have done, as if we had done those things ourselves. But I hope that as you become stronger in your faith, we will be able to reach many more of the people around you. That has always been our goal.
16. Then we will be able to preach the good news in other lands where we cannot take credit for work someone else has already done.
17. The Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, then boast about the Lord.”
18. You may boast about yourself, but the only approval that counts is the Lord's approval.