For our reason for boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world, and most especially toward you, with simplicity and godly sincerity—not by human wisdom but by the grace of God.
2 Corinthians 12:16 - Tree of Life Version But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself. Nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you with trickery! Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition But though granting that I did not burden you [with my support, some say that] I was crafty [and that] I cheated and got the better of you with my trickery. American Standard Version (1901) But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile. Common English Bible We all know that I didn’t place a burden on you, but in spite of that you think I’m a con artist who fooled you with a trick. Catholic Public Domain Version And so be it. I have not burdened you, but instead, being astute, I obtained you by guile. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version But be it so: I did not burthen you: but being crafty, I caught you by guile. |
For our reason for boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world, and most especially toward you, with simplicity and godly sincerity—not by human wisdom but by the grace of God.
For you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone puts on airs, if someone slaps you on the face.
For in what respect were you treated worse than the rest of Messiah’s communities—except that I myself did not burden you? Pardon me this injustice!
Instead, we renounced the hidden shameful ways—not walking in deception or distorting the word of God, but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by the open proclamation of the truth.
through honor and dishonor, through evil report and good report. We are regarded as deceivers and yet true;
Make room for us in your hearts. We wronged no one, ruined no one, took advantage of no one.
For as you know and God is witness, we never came with a word of flattery or a motive of greed—