This verse is a jab from the Apostle Paul to some of his detractors in Corinth. Let's break it down:
"For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves." This means that Paul and his companions are not going to try to measure their worth or importance by comparing themselves to the people who are constantly praising themselves. He's suggesting they find those self-promoters a bit much and doesn't want to lower himself to that level. They don't want to get into a "look at me!" contest.
"But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding." This is the real zinger. Paul is saying that these self-promoters are only looking within their own little echo chamber. They use themselves as the standard of measurement. They don't consider any outside opinions or any truly objective measures of success or value. Because they're not looking outward, they lack genuine understanding. They are stuck in their self-constructed reality.
In essence, Paul is criticizing:
Self-promotion and boasting: He finds it distasteful to have to compete in a game of self-aggrandizement.
A lack of objectivity: The critics are creating their own standard for success, which is inherently flawed because it's based only on their own opinions.
Lack of Wisdom: Paul believes that true understanding comes from looking outside oneself, and the self-promoters are too focused on themselves to do that.
To put it in modern terms:
Paul is basically saying, "We're not going to play their game of 'who's the best.' They're just boosting their own egos by comparing themselves to an unrealistic standard that they set for themselves. They're missing the bigger picture and don't really know what they're talking about."
This verse is a jab from the Apostle Paul to some of his detractors in Corinth. Let's break it down:
"For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves." This means that Paul and his companions are not going to try to measure their worth or importance by comparing themselves to the people who are constantly praising themselves. He's suggesting they find those self-promoters a bit much and doesn't want to lower himself to that level. They don't want to get into a "look at me!" contest.
"But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding." This is the real zinger. Paul is saying that these self-promoters are only looking within their own little echo chamber. They use themselves as the standard of measurement. They don't consider any outside opinions or any truly objective measures of success or value. Because they're not looking outward, they lack genuine understanding. They are stuck in their self-constructed reality.
In essence, Paul is criticizing:
Self-promotion and boasting: He finds it distasteful to have to compete in a game of self-aggrandizement.
A lack of objectivity: The critics are creating their own standard for success, which is inherently flawed because it's based only on their own opinions.
Lack of Wisdom: Paul believes that true understanding comes from looking outside oneself, and the self-promoters are too focused on themselves to do that.
To put it in modern terms:
Paul is basically saying, "We're not going to play their game of 'who's the best.' They're just boosting their own egos by comparing themselves to an unrealistic standard that they set for themselves. They're missing the bigger picture and don't really know what they're talking about."
