Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!
NIV
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.
AMP
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
KJV
If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!
NIV
For if the service that condemns [the ministration of doom] had glory, how infinitely more abounding in splendor and glory must be the service that makes righteous [the ministry that produces and fosters righteous living and right standing with God]!
AMP
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
KJV
And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
NIV
For if that which was but passing and fading away came with splendor, how much more must that which remains and is permanent abide in glory and splendor!
AMP
For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
KJV
To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about – I am speaking as a fool – I also dare to boast about.
NIV
To my discredit, I must say, we have shown ourselves too weak [for you to show such tolerance of us and for us to do strong, courageous things like that to you]! But in whatever any person is bold and dares [to boast]--mind you, I am speaking in this foolish (witless) way--I also am bold and dare [to boast].
AMP
I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
KJV
Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
NIV
As grieved and mourning, yet [we are] always rejoicing; as poor [ourselves, yet] bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, and [yet in reality] possessing all things.
AMP
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
KJV
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
NIV
Have you been supposing [all this time] that we have been defending ourselves and apologizing to you? [It is] in the sight and the [very] presence of God [and as one] in Christ (the Messiah) that we have been speaking, dearly beloved, and all in order to build you up [spiritually].
AMP
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
KJV
By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you – I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away!
NIV
NOW I myself, Paul, beseech you, by the gentleness and consideration of Christ [Himself; I] who [am] lowly enough [so they say] when among you face to face, but bold (fearless and outspoken) to you when [I am] absent from you!
AMP
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
KJV
