Paul encourages the church to stay humble and measure themselves according to God’s standards rather than their own.
For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. (v.12) In this passage, the Apostle Paul (who lived approximately from A.D. 5-67) explains to the Corinthian believers that he does not engage in the same misguided self-praise as certain individuals who seek to elevate their own reputations by their own standards. Corinth, a city in southern Greece located on the narrow stretch of land known as the Isthmus of Corinth, was a bustling center of trade and culture. Here, Paul wrote passionately to a community that was struggling with divisions and comparisons, urging them to fix their eyes on Christ rather than on human measures of success (see also Ephesians 4:13).
By stating, we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves (v.12), Paul highlights the foolishness of pride rooted in human standards. Such individuals, according to Paul, measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves (v.12), demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of God’s true calling. Paul’s stance offers a sharp contrast: followers of Christ should derive their sense of worth from God’s evaluation, not human applause (Romans 12:3). Paul points out that when believers adopt man-made benchmarks, they lose sight of the humble posture Jesus modeled (Luke 18:14).
At the heart of Paul’s argument is the reminder that the Corinthians are to find their identity and approval not in self-promotion but in Christ’s redeeming work. By denouncing the practice of comparing oneself solely to human standards, he protects the Corinthian church from rivalry, insecurity, and spiritual pride. Instead, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in humility, always seeking God’s perspective rather than fleeting human accolades. This call remains just as powerful today, inviting Christians to view themselves and others through God’s eyes instead of the lens of prideful self-admiration.
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2 Corinthians 10:12 meaning
For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. (v.12) In this passage, the Apostle Paul (who lived approximately from A.D. 5-67) explains to the Corinthian believers that he does not engage in the same misguided self-praise as certain individuals who seek to elevate their own reputations by their own standards. Corinth, a city in southern Greece located on the narrow stretch of land known as the Isthmus of Corinth, was a bustling center of trade and culture. Here, Paul wrote passionately to a community that was struggling with divisions and comparisons, urging them to fix their eyes on Christ rather than on human measures of success (see also Ephesians 4:13).
By stating, we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves (v.12), Paul highlights the foolishness of pride rooted in human standards. Such individuals, according to Paul, measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves (v.12), demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of God’s true calling. Paul’s stance offers a sharp contrast: followers of Christ should derive their sense of worth from God’s evaluation, not human applause (Romans 12:3). Paul points out that when believers adopt man-made benchmarks, they lose sight of the humble posture Jesus modeled (Luke 18:14).
At the heart of Paul’s argument is the reminder that the Corinthians are to find their identity and approval not in self-promotion but in Christ’s redeeming work. By denouncing the practice of comparing oneself solely to human standards, he protects the Corinthian church from rivalry, insecurity, and spiritual pride. Instead, believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in humility, always seeking God’s perspective rather than fleeting human accolades. This call remains just as powerful today, inviting Christians to view themselves and others through God’s eyes instead of the lens of prideful self-admiration.