For it is not he who commendshimselfthat is approved,but he whomthe Lordcommends.
And He saidto them, "You are thosewho justifyyourselvesin the sightof men,but Godknowsyour hearts;for that which is highly esteemedamongmenis detestablein the sightof God.
Everyman'swayis rightin his own eyes,But the LORDweighsthe hearts.
Thereforedo not go on passing judgmentbeforethe time,[but wait] untilthe Lordcomeswhowill bothbring to lightthe things hiddenin the darknessand disclosethe motivesof [men's] hearts;and theneach man'spraisewill cometo him from God.
But he is a Jewwhois one inwardly;and circumcisionis that which is of the heart,by the Spirit,not by the letter;and his praiseis not from men,but from God.
For we are not boldto classorcompareourselveswith someof thosewho commendthemselves;but when they measurethemselvesby themselvesand comparethemselveswith themselves,they are withoutunderstanding.
for they lovedthe approvalof menratherthanthe approvalof God.
Let anotherpraiseyou, and not your own mouth;A stranger,and not your own lips.
sothat the proofof your faith,[being] more preciousthan goldwhich is perishable,even thoughtestedby fire,may be foundto resultin praiseand gloryand honorat the revelationof JesusChrist;
Nowwe prayto Godthat you donowrong;not that we ourselvesmay appearapproved,but that you may dowhat is right,eventhoughwe may appearunapproved.
but in everythingcommendingourselvesas servantsof God,in muchendurance,in afflictions,in hardships,in distresses,
For he who in this[way] servesChristis acceptableto Godand approvedby men.
Be diligentto presentyourselfapprovedto Godas a workmanwho does not need to be ashamed,accurately handlingthe wordof truth.
We are not againcommendingourselvesto you but [are] givingyou an occasionto be proudof us, sothat you will have[an answer] for thosewho take pridein appearanceand not in heart.
Are we beginningto commendourselvesagain?Ordo we need,as some,lettersof commendationto you orfrom you?
For there mustalsobe factionsamongyou, sothat thosewho are approvedmay becomeevidentamongyou.
GreetApelles,the approvedin Christ.Greetthosewhoare of the [household] of Aristobulus.
"Menof Israel,listento thesewords:Jesusthe Nazarene,a manattestedto you by Godwith miraclesand wondersand signswhichGodperformedthroughHim in your midst,justas you yourselvesknow--
A manwill be praisedaccordingto his insight,But one of perversemindwill be despised.
