¹² Not that we dare to classify or ^(A)compare ourselves with some of those who ^(B)are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are ^(C)without understanding.

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

Ministers of the New Covenant

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

¹¹ The Pharisee, ^(A)standing by himself, prayed^{[a] (B)}thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

¹⁸ For I will not venture to speak of anything except ^(A)what Christ has accomplished through me ^(B)to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed,

^12 (A)We are not commending ourselves to you again but ^(B)giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.