To [my] shameI [must] saythat we have been weak[by comparison]. But in whateverrespect anyone[else] is bold--I speakin foolishness--I amjustas boldmyself.
For they say,"His lettersare weightyand strong,but his personalpresenceis unimpressiveand his speechcontemptible."
I wishthat you would bearwith me in a littlefoolishness;but indeedyou are bearingwith me.
WhatI am saying,I am not sayingas the Lordwould, but as in foolishness,in thisconfidenceof boasting.
For thisreasonI am writingthese thingswhile absent,sothat when presentI [need] not useseverity,in accordancewith the authoritywhichthe Lordgaveme for buildingup and not for tearing down.
by gloryand dishonor,by evil reportand good report;[regarded] as deceiversand yet true;