However, if I want to boast, I will not play the fool, for it will be nothing but the truth that I will tell. But I refrain from doing so, to keep anybody, on account of the superiority of the revelations, from giving me a higher rating than my actions and teachings deserve.

For when, through this work of giving, they see what you are, they give glory to God for the way in which you have given yourselves to the good news of Christ, and for the wealth of your giving to them and to all;

For we do not again commend ourselves to you, but we are giving to you occasion of boast in our behalf, that ye may have such with those boasting in countenance, and not in heart.

giving no manner of offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed;

For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;

For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it.

to the one, a deathly, deadly odor, to the other a vital, life-giving one. Who is qualified for this task? I am!

Finally, brothers, goodbye! Practice the perfecting of your characters, keep listening to my appeals, continue thinking in harmony and living in peace, and the loving, peace-giving God will be with you.

Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].

For if I grieve you, who indeed is the one giving me joy, except the one being grieved by me?

And He who has worked in us for this same thing is God, who also is giving to us the earnest of the Spirit.

But now also finish the doing of it, so that, as there was a readiness to will, so also the finishing, giving out of what you have.

And being also co-laborers we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain,??2 for he says, In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you; behold, now is an acceptable time, behold, now is a day of salvation,??3 giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry may not be blamed,

Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech, knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you, implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving also flourishes in you.