⁸ So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us^(A) for building you up rather than tearing you down,^(B) I will not be ashamed of it.

¹⁰ See, today I appoint you over nations^(A) and kingdoms to uproot^(B) and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”^(C)

²⁹ “Is not my word like fire,”^(A) declares the Lord, “and like a hammer^(B) that breaks a rock in pieces?

¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(A) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(B)