2 Corinthians 11:16-23

16I say this again: nobody should think that I am a fool. But even if you do think that, still listen to me. Give me a chance to praise myself a little, as a fool would do.

17When I say good things about myself like this, it is not how the Lord would talk. No, these are the words of a fool.

18But many other people are using human ideas to praise themselves. So I will also do that.

19You think that you are very wise! So you are happy to listen to fools.

20You accept people who make you like their slaves. You accept people who cheat you, or take things from you. You accept people who are proud of themselves. Even if someone hits you in your face, you still accept him.

21But we were not brave enough to do things like that to you. Should I be ashamed of that? But other people are brave enough to praise themselves. So I will also be proud of the same things. (Now I am talking like a fool!)

22Are they proud that they are Hebrew people? So am I. Do they belong to Israel's people? So do I. Are they descendants of Abraham's family? So am I.

23Are they Christ's servants? I serve him even better than they do! (Now I am speaking like a crazy person.) I work much more than they have worked. I have been in prison more often than they have. People have hit me with whips very many times. I have nearly died many times.