²⁷ But ^(A)God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; ^(B)God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even ^(C)things that are not, to ^(D)bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so ^(E)that no human being^[a] might boast in the presence of God. ³⁰ And because of him^[b] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us ^(F)wisdom from God, ^(G)righteousness and ^(H)sanctification and ^(I)redemption, ³¹ so that, as it is written, ^(J)“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

⁷ So ^(A)to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,^{[a] (B)}a thorn was given me in the flesh, ^(C)a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ^8 (D)Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, ^(E)“My grace is sufficient for you, for ^(F)my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that ^(G)the power of Christ may rest upon me. ^10 (H)For the sake of Christ, then, ^(I)I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For ^(J)when I am weak, then I am strong.