2 Corinthians 10:12

¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

For {G1063} we dare {G5111} not {G3756} make {G1469} ourselves of the number {G1469}, or {G2228} compare {G4793} ourselves {G1438} with {G4793} some {G5100} that commend {G4921} themselves {G1438}: but {G235} they {G846} measuring {G3354} themselves {G1438} by {G1722} themselves {G1438}, and {G2532} comparing {G4793} themselves {G1438} among {G4793} themselves {G1438}, are {G4920} not {G3756} wise {G4920}.

We don’t dare class or compare ourselves with some of the people who advertise themselves. In measuring themselves against each other and comparing themselves with each other, they are simply stupid.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.

For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV): "¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Context

This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry to the Corinthian church. He was contending with false teachers who had infiltrated the community, challenging his authority, methods, and even his physical presence. These opponents often used worldly standards of self-promotion and external appearances to gain influence, contrasting sharply with Paul's humble approach. In this chapter, Paul begins to address their accusations directly, emphasizing that his authority comes from Christ, not from human commendation or worldly wisdom. He sets the stage for a spiritual battle, contrasting his divine power with the self-exalting tactics of his adversaries, underscoring that our sufficiency is from God, not from ourselves.

Key Themes

  • Humility vs. Self-Commendation: Paul explicitly states his refusal to engage in the self-praise and boasting characteristic of the false teachers. He highlights the stark difference between seeking validation from God and seeking it from human applause or one's own inflated ego. True spiritual authority does not need to commend itself.
  • The Folly of Self-Comparison: The core of the verse exposes the absurdity and spiritual danger of judging oneself or others based on internal, self-created standards ("measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves"). This circular, inward-looking evaluation leads to a distorted view of reality, spiritual effectiveness, and true worth, as it lacks any objective, divine standard.
  • True Wisdom and Discernment: Paul implies that genuine wisdom and spiritual insight come from God, not from human boasting or a flawed system of self-assessment. Those who rely on self-commendation demonstrate a profound lack of spiritual discernment and true understanding of God's ways. This aligns with the biblical principle that he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "are not wise" translates the Greek word ἀσύνετοι (asynetoi), which means "without understanding," "senseless," "foolish," or "unintelligent." It suggests a fundamental lack of intelligent perception or comprehension, particularly in spiritual matters. The false teachers' method of self-referential measurement was not merely arrogant; it was fundamentally unintelligent and spiritually misguided because it ignored God's true standards and evaluation, leading them into error and deceiving others.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound and timeless insights for believers today, especially in an age saturated with self-promotion and social comparison:

  • Beware the Comparison Trap: In contemporary society, particularly with social media, the temptation to "measure ourselves by ourselves, and comparing ourselves among ourselves" is pervasive. This practice often leads to envy, pride, discouragement, and a distorted sense of self-worth. Believers are called to fix their eyes on Christ, not on others' perceived successes or failures.
  • Seek God's Approval Above All: True spiritual health and peace come from seeking God's commendation rather than human praise or self-validation. Our identity, value, and purpose are rooted in our relationship with Christ, not in our achievements or how we stack up against others.
  • Cultivate Humility in Ministry and Life: Paul consistently modeled humility, recognizing that all his abilities and accomplishments were gifts from God. This verse reminds us to adopt a similar posture, understanding that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Genuine Christian leadership and influence flow from a place of dependence on God, not self-exaltation.
  • Discern True Leadership: This passage provides a crucial criterion for evaluating leaders, ministries, and even personal conduct within the church. Those who constantly promote themselves, boast in their own merits, or rely on worldly metrics for success often lack true spiritual wisdom and authority that comes from God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Proverbs 27:2

    ¶ Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
  • Proverbs 26:12

    ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.
  • Luke 18:11

    The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:18

    For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
  • Romans 15:18

    For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
  • Proverbs 25:27

    ¶ [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:1

    ¶ Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some [others], epistles of commendation to you, or [letters] of commendation from you?

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