⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments^(A) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^{(B) 6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit^(C) and in sincere love;^{(D) 7} in truthful speech^(E) and in the power of God;^(F) with weapons of righteousness^(G) in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor,^(H) bad report^(I) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;^{(J) 9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,^(K) and yet we live on;^(L) beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(M) poor, yet making many rich;^(N) having nothing,^(O) and yet possessing everything.^(P)

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.^{(Q) 12} We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³ As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children^(R)—open wide your hearts^(S) also.

Warning Against Idolatry

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together^(T) with unbelievers.^(U) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?^{(V) 15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[a]?^(W) Or what does a believer^(X) have in common with an unbeliever?^{(Y) 16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?^(Z) For we are the temple^(AA) of the living God.^(AB) As God has said:

¹⁷ Therefore,

¹⁸ And,

7 Therefore, since we have these promises,^(AH) dear friends,^(AI) let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness^(AJ) out of reverence for God.

Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance

² Make room for us in your hearts.^(AK) We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts^(AL) that we would live or die with you. ⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.^(AM) I am greatly encouraged;^(AN) in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.^(AO)

⁵ For when we came into Macedonia,^(AP) we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn^(AQ)—conflicts on the outside, fears within.^{(AR) 6} But God, who comforts the downcast,^(AS) comforted us by the coming of Titus,^{(AT) 7} and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

⁸ Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter,^(AU) I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— ⁹ yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. ¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation^(AV) and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.