16 (A)Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 17 What I am saying, I am not saying [a](B)as the Lord would, but as (C)in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Since (D)many boast (E)according to the flesh, I will boast also. 19 For you, (F)being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly. 20 For you tolerate it if anyone (G)enslaves you, if anyone (H)devours you, if anyone (I)takes advantage of you, if anyone (J)exalts himself, if anyone (K)hits you in the face. 21 To my (L)shame I must say that we have been (M)weak by comparison.

But in whatever respect anyone else (N)is bold—I am (O)speaking in foolishness—I too am bold.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:17 Lit in accordance with the Lord

Paul’s Sufferings as an Apostle

16 I will say it again: No one should think that I am a fool. But if you do, then treat me like a fool so that I can also boast a little. 17 When I talk as a confident boaster, I am not talking with the Lord’s authority but like a fool. 18 Since many people boast in a fleshly way, I will do it, too. 19 You are wise, so you will gladly be tolerant of fools. 20 You tolerate anyone who makes you his slaves, devours what you have, takes what is yours, orders you around, or slaps your face!

21 I am ashamed to admit it, but we have been too weak for that. Whatever anyone else dares to claim—I am talking like a fool—I can claim it, too.

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Paul Boasts About His Sufferings

16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool.(A) But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17 In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would,(B) but as a fool.(C) 18 Since many are boasting in the way the world does,(D) I too will boast.(E) 19 You gladly put up with(F) fools since you are so wise!(G) 20 In fact, you even put up with(H) anyone who enslaves you(I) or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. 21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak(J) for that!

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.(K)

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