These practices indeed have the appearance [that popularly passes as that] of wisdom in self-made religion and mock humility and severe treatment of the body (asceticism), but are of no value against sinful indulgence [because they do not honor God].

but he was rebuked for his own transgression: a mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

So, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and stay calm and not do anything rash.

As the truth of Christ is in me, my boast [of independence] will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia (southern Greece).