¹² We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.^(A) When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

¹⁸ For it is not the one who commends himself^(A) who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.^(B)

¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself^(A) and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

¹⁸ I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles^(A) to obey God^(B) by what I have said and done—

3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves^(A) again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation^(B) to you or from you?

¹² We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,^(A) but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,^(B) so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.