¶ 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.
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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?
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
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: