For this is my proud boast, the testimony of my conscience, that it was in holiness and with pure motives before God, not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God, that I have conducted myself in the world, and above all in my relations with you.

But I hold this treasure in an earthen vessel, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be from God, and not from myself.

as grieved, but always glad; as poor, but making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

I pray you, therefore, in fair exchange (I speak as to my children), let your hearts also be wide open to me.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, how though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

As it is written. He scattered broadcast, he gave to the poor; His almsgiving continues forever.

Would that you could put up with a little "folly" from me! Nay, do bear with me.

If indeed some one is coming to preach another Jesus, whom I did not preach, or you are receiving a Spirit other than you once received, or another gospel which you did not accept before, you would do well to bear with me.

I say again, let no one think me a fool. Or, if you must, at least bear with me as a fool, that I, too, may do a little boasting.

What I am about to say I am not speaking by the Lord's command, but as it were in pure folly, in this boldness of boasting.

but he has answered me. "My grace is sufficient for you; it is in weakness that my power is perfected."

Most gladly therefore will I boast rather of my weakness, that over me like a tent may be pitched the power of Christ. That is why I rejoice in weakness, in ill-treatment, in troubles, in persecutions and calamities for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he now lives through the power of God. I also am weak, sharing in his weakness, but I shall live with him by the power of God.

For I have no power against the truth, but only in defense of the truth.