When I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a fleshly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, Yes" and "No, No"?

We are confident, I say, and would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.

And I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.

lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, wenot to say anything about you would be ashamed of having been so confident.

For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is weak, and his speech of no account."

To my shame, I must say that we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast aboutI am speaking as a foolI also dare to boast about.