¹¹ Please accept the present^(A) that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me^(B) and I have all I need.”^(C) And because Jacob insisted,^(D) Esau accepted it.

¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(A) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(B) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

²⁷ And let this gift,^(A) which your servant has brought to my lord, be given to the men who follow you.

²³ “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi.

⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,^(A) holding promise for both the present life^(B) and the life to come.^(C)

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(A) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(B) whether living in plenty or in want.^(C)

⁵ So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers^(A) to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift,^(B) not as one grudgingly given.^(C)

Generosity Encouraged

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.^(D)

¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(A) poor, yet making many rich;^(B) having nothing,^(C) and yet possessing everything.^(D)

²¹ So then, no more boasting about human leaders!^(A) All things are yours,^(B)