¹⁰ For some people are saying, “Paul’s letters sound authoritative and strong, but in person he just doesn’t measure up—even his speeches don’t deliver.” ¹¹ They need to understand this: whatever we say through our letters when we are away, that is exactly what we will do when we are looking you in the eye.

¹² For we would never dare to compare ourselves with people who have based their worth on self-commendation. They check themselves against and compare themselves with one another. It just shows that they don’t have any sense!