2 Corinthians 12:5-10
Amplified Bible
5 On behalf of such a man [and his experiences] I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 If I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me.
A Thorn in the Flesh
7 Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!(A) 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
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2 Corinthians 12:5-10
New International Version
5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.(A) 6 Even if I should choose to boast,(B) I would not be a fool,(C) because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations.(D) Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,(E) a messenger of Satan,(F) to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.(G) 9 But he said to me, “My grace(H) is sufficient for you, for my power(I) is made perfect in weakness.(J)”(K) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight(L) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,(M) in persecutions,(N) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.(O)
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