For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Parallel Translations
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For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
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For he that prayseth him silfe is not alowed: but he whom the lorde prayseth.
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For hee that praiseth himselfe, is not alowed, but he whome the Lord praiseth.
Cross-references (20)
Passages linked to 2 Corinthians 10:18 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts.
- Luke 16:15 He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
- Romans 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
- 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.
- John 12:43 for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise.
- Luke 18:10-14 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
- John 5:42-44 But I know you, that you don’t have God’s love in yourselves. I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God?
- Romans 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
- 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.
- 1 Peter 1:7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—
- Matthew 25:20-23 He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents in addition to them.’ “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents in addition to them.’ “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
- 2 Corinthians 6:4 but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
- Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him among you, even as you yourselves know,
- Romans 16:10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
- 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there also must be factions among you, that those who are approved may be revealed among you.
- 2 Corinthians 3:1 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you?
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (13 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain For not he that commendeth himself is approved “For…
For not he that commendeth himself is approved “For it is easy to impose upon men by a false impression, and this is matter of every day occurrence. Let us, therefore, leaving off all other things, aim exclusively at this — that we may be approved by God, and may be satisfied to have his approbation alone, as it justly ought to be regarded by us as of more value than all the applauses of the whole world. There was one that said, that to have Plato’s favorable judgment was to him worth a thousand. The question here is not as to the judgment of mankind, in respect of the superiority of one to another, but as to the sentence of God himself, who has it in his power to overturn all the decisions that men have pronounced.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved,…
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Ver. 18. Whom the Lord commendeth] As he did his servant Job, 2Co 1:8. And as he did his handmaid Sarah, for calling her husband lord, though there was never a good word besides in the whole sentence, 1Pe 3:6; cf. Gen 18:22. Neither was Job so patient, but that he had his outbursts. All which notwithstanding "ye have heard of the patience of Job," &c., Jas 5:11. He is not challenged at all for his impatience, but crowned and chronicled for his patience. See here the wonderful goodness of God toward his; and take comfort in his white stone, against the black coals of ill-affected persons.
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Is approved] δοκιμος, or, will pass for current coin in heaven. When slips are abroad, men will take heed what money they take.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Solomon saith, Pro 27:2; Let another man praise thee,…
Solomon saith, Pro 27:2; Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. Self-commendation is an ungrateful sound to ingenuous ears; no man thinks another a jot the better for his commending himself, but always hath the worse opinion of him for such boasting; but this text speaketh of a higher approbation, viz. from God. No man is approved of God for his speaking well of himself; the business is, who they are who approve themselves in the work which God hath committed to them; to whom the Lord will say: Well done, good and faithful servants: to whom the apostle refers both himself, and those who magnified themselves, but vilified him.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain Three things are here observable, 1. The proneness which…
Three things are here observable, 1. The proneness which is in human nature to admire, applaud and commend itself. Man is a proud piece of flesh, and a little apprehended excellency in himself presently puffs him up, and he looks big with conceit: "Tis rare to see a man rich in gifts, and poor in spirit; poverty of spirit is better than all the riches of gifts: yea, it is the truest riches of grace.
Observe, 2. Though a man is prone to commend and admire himself, yet self-commendation is no just prize, but rather disparagement, a shameful indication both of pride and folly. He that commendeth himself, is not approved either of God or wise men; the same word in Hebrew, signifies to praise ourselves and to be foolish because there is no greater evidence of folly than self-commendation; yet sometimes, a wise man is forced to boast of his own performances, rather in a way of self-vindication, than by way of self-commendation.
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Observe, 3. That it is God’s approbation, and not our own commendation, which is matter of true praise and real honour. When God and conscience bear witness to our sincerity, we need neither our own nor other’s commendation; the open testimongy of God, and the silent applause of our own conscience, is above all commendations whatsoever.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 18. Not he that commendeth himself] Not the…
Verse 18. Not he that commendeth himself] Not the person who makes a parade of his own attainments; who preaches himself, and not Christ Jesus the Lord; and, far from being your servant for Christ's sake, affects to be your ruler; not such a one shall be approved of God, by an especial blessing on his labours; but he whom the Lord commendeth, by giving him the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit, and converting the heathen by his ministry. These were qualifications to which the false apostle at Corinth could not pretend. He had language and eloquence, and show and parade; but he had neither the gifts of an apostle nor an apostle's success.
1. DR. WHITBY observes that the apostle, in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th verses, 2Co 10:13-16 endeavours to advance himself above the false apostles in the three following particulars:-
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(1.) That whereas they could show no commission to preach to the Corinthians, no measure by which God had distributed the Corinthians to them as their province, he could do so. We have a measure to reach even to you, 2Co 10:13.
(2.) That whereas they went out of their line, leaping from one Church to another, he went on orderly, in the conversion of the heathens, from Judea through all the interjacent provinces, till he came to Corinth.
(3.) Whereas they only came in and perverted the Churches where the faith had already been preached, and so could only boast of things made ready to their hands, 2Co 10:16, he had laboured to preach the Gospel where Christ had not been named, lest he should build on another man's foundation, Ro 15:20.
2. We find that from the beginning God appointed to every man his promise, and to every man his labour; and would not suffer even one apostle to interfere with another. This was a very wise appointment; for by this the Gospel was not only more speedily diffused over the heathen nations, as we have already remarked, but the Churches were better attended to, the Christian doctrine preserved in its purity, and the Christian discipline properly enforced. What is any men's work is no man's in particular; and thus the work is neglected. In every Church of God there should be some one who for the time being has the care of it, who may be properly called its pastor; and who is accountable for its purity in the faith, and its godly discipline.
3. Every man who ministers in holy things should be well assured of his call to the work; without this he can labour neither with confidence nor comfort. And he should be careful to watch over the flock, that no destroying wolf be permitted to enter the sacred fold, and that the fences of a holy discipline be kept in proper repair.
4. It is base, abominable, and deeply sinful, for a man to thrust himself into other men's labours, and, by sowing doubtful disputations among a Christian people, distract and divide them, that he may get a party to himself. Such persons generally act as the false apostle at Corinth; preach a relaxed morality; place great stress upon certain doctrines which flatter and soothe self-love; calumniate the person, system of doctrines, and mode of discipline, of the pastor who perhaps planted that Church, or who in the order of God's providence has the oversight of it. This is an evil that has prevailed much in all ages of the Church; there is at present much of it in the Christian world, and Christianity is disgraced by it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain For not he that commendeth himself ... - Not…
For not he that commendeth himself ... - Not he who boasts of his talents and endowments. He is not to be judged by the estimate which he shall place on himself, but by the estimate which God shall form and express.
Is approved - By God. It is no evidence that we shall be saved that we are prone to commend ourselves; see Rom 16:10.
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But whom the Lord commendeth - see the note on Rom 2:29. The idea here is, that people are to be approved or rejected by God. He is to pass judgment on them, and that judgment is to be in accordance with his estimate of their character, and not according to their own. If he approves them they will be saved; if he does not, vain will be all their empty boasting; vain all their reliance on their wealth, eloquence. learning, or earthly honors. None will save them from condemnation; not all these things can purchase for them eternal life. Paul thus seriously shows that we should be mainly anxious to obtain the divine favor. It should be the grand aim and purpose of our life; and we should repress all disposition for vain - glory or self-confidence; all reliance on our talents, attainments, or accomplishments for salvation. our boast is that we have such a redeemer: and in that we all may glory!
Remarks
1. We should have no desire to show off any special boldness or energy of character which we may have; 2Co 10:1-2. We should greatly prefer to evince the gentleness and meekness of Christ. Such a character is in itself of far more value than one that is merely energetic and bold; that is rash, authoritative, and fond of display.
2. They who are officers in the church should have no desire to administer discipline; 2Co 10:2. Some people are so fond of power that they always love to exercise it. They are willing to show it even by inflicting punishment on others; and “dressed in a little brief authority” they are constantly seeking occasion to show their consequence; they magnify trifles; they are unwilling to pass by the slightest offences. The reason is not that they love the truth, but that they love their own consequence, and they seek every opportunity to show it.
3. All Christians and all Christian ministers are engaged in a warfare; 2Co 10:3. They are at war with sin in their own hearts, and with sin wherever it exists on earth, and with the powers of darkness. With foes so numerous and so vigilant, they should not expect to live a life of ease or quietness. Peace, perfect peace, they may expect in heaven, not on earth. Here they are to fight the good fight of faith and thus to lay held on eternal life. It has been the common lot of all the children of God to maintain such a war, and shall we expect to be exempt?
“Shall I be carried to the skies.
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
“Are there no foes for me to face,
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?”
4. The weapons of the Christian are not to be carnal, but are to be spiritual; 2Co 10:4. He is not to make his way by the exhibition of human passion; in bloody strife; and by acting under the influence of ambitious feelings. Truth is his weapon; and armed with truth, and aided by the Spirit of God, he is to expect the victory. How different is the Christian warfare from others! How different is Christianity from other systems! Muhammed made his way by arms, and propagated his religion amidst the din of battle. But not so with Christianity. That is to make its way by the silent, but mighty operation of truth; and there is not a rampart of idolatry and sin that is not yet to fall before it.
5. The Christian should be a man of a pure spirit; 2Co 10:4. He is to make his way by the truth. He should therefore love the truth, and he should seek to diffuse it as far as possible. In propagating or defending it, he should be always mild, gentle, and kind. Truth is never advanced, and an adversary is never convinced, where passion is evinced; where there is a haughty manner or a belligerent spirit. The apostolic precepts are full of “wisdom,” “speaking the truth in love” Eph 4:15), “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves: if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” 2Ti 2:25.
6. In his warfare the Christian shall conquer; 2Co 10:4-5. Against the truth of Christianity nothing has been able to stand. It made its way against the arrayed opposition of priests and emperors; against customs and laws; against inveterate habits and opinions; against all forms of sin, until it triumphed, and “the banners of the faith floated from the palaces of the Caesars.” So it will be in all the conflicts with evil. Nothing is more certain than that the powers of darkness in this world are destined to fall before the power of Christian truth, and that every stronghold of sin shall yet be demolished. So it is in the conflicts of the individual Christian. He may struggle long and hard. He may have many foes to contend with. But he shall gain the victory. His triumph shall be secure; and he shall yet be enabled to say, “I have fought a good fight - henceforth there is laid up for me a crown.”
“The saints in all this glorious war.
Shall conquer though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
And seize it with their eye.”
7. Yet all should feel their dependence on God; 2Co 10:4. It is only through him and by his aid that we have any power. Truth itself has no power except as it is attended and directed by God; and we should engage in our conflict feeling that none but God can give us the victory. If forsaken by him, we shall fall; if supported by him, we may face without fear a “frowning world,” and all the powers of the “dark world of hell.”
8. We should not judge by the outward appearance; 2Co 10:7. It is the heart that determines the character; and by that God shall judge us, and by that we should judge ourselves.
9. We should aim to extend the gospel as far as possible; 2Co 10:14-16. Paul aimed to go beyond the regions where the gospel had been preached, and to extend it to far distant lands. So the “field” still “is the world.” A large portion of the earth is yet unevangelized. Instead, therefore, of sitting down quietly in enjoyment and ease, let us, like him, earnestly desire to extend the influence of pure religion, and to bring distant nations to the saving knowledge of the truth.
10. Let us not boast in ourselves; 2Co 10:17. Not of our talents, wealth, learning, or accomplishments let us glory. But let us glory that we have such a God as Yahweh. Let us glory that we have such a Redeemer as Jesus Christ. Let us glory that we have such a sanctifier as the Holy Spirit. Let us acknowledge God as the source of all our blessings, and to him let us honestly consecrate our hearts and our lives.
11. What a reverse of judgment there will yet be on human character! 2Co 10:17-18. How many now commend themselves who will be condemned in the last day. How many people boast of their talents and morals, and even their religion, who will then be involved in indiscriminate condemnation with the most vile and worthless of the race. How anxious should we be, therefore, to secure the approbation of God; and whatever our fellow-men may say of us, how infinitely desirable is it to be commended then by our heavenly Father.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain (Pro 27:2).
(Pro 27:2).
whom the Lord commendeth--to whom the Lord has given as His "Epistle of commendation," the believers whom he has been the instrument of converting: as was Paul's case (Co2 3:1-3).
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is approved--can stand the test of the final trial. A metaphor from testing metals (Rom 16:10; Co1 11:19). So on the other hand those finally rejected by the Lord are termed "reprobate silver" (Jer 6:30).
Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 11
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 18. Commendeth himself—Their fair speeches and seducing self-laudations do…
18. Commendeth himself—Their fair speeches and seducing self-laudations do not render them approved.
Lord commendeth—Is the divine seal on their mission? The true minister is not merely ordained of man—he is called of God; and the divine blessing testifies to his work.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 18. For not he that commendeth himself is approved]…
18. For not he that commendeth himself is approved] St Paul’s self-commendation is only wrung from him by circumstances. The Corinthians will not judge of things except ‘after the appearance’ (2Co_10:7). St Paul, bearing in mind the wise man’s advice to ‘answer a fool according to his folly’ (Pro_26:5), shews that even from that point of view the new teachers could not arrogate to themselves any superiority over him. But he takes care to remark that the only true ground of approval is to do the work of God.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (18) For not he that commendeth himself is approved.—Again,…
(18) For not he that commendeth himself is approved.—Again, as in 2Co_10:12 and five earlier passages (see reference there), we trace the impression which the stinging taunt had left on St. Paul’s mind. In the word “approved” there is possibly a reference to what had been said in 1Co_11:19. He had meant something more by it than meeting with men’s approval.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain But whom the Lord commendeth. (comp. 1Co_3:13, 14 4:5;…
But whom the Lord commendeth. (comp. 1Co_3:13, 14 4:5; Pro_27:2)
Commendation, human and Divine.
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A good man"s difficulties do not always come from avowed adversaries. It sometimes happens that those who are professedly upon his side trouble and harass him. So the Apostle Paul found it, for he had to complain of perils among false brethren, and he frequently had to contend with the undermining influence of those who disparaged his ability and authority, and asserted and praised themselves.
I THE VANITY OF SELF-COMMENDATION ON THE PART OF CHRISTIAN LABOURERS.
1. Such a habit is a flaw in personal character. True dignity and self-respectdictate modesty in estimating one"s self and reticence in speaking of one"s self.
2. It has an injurious effect upon the ministry. They who commendthemselves in words are not likely to commend themselves in deeds. The estimation in which others hold them is probably in inverse ratio to that in which they hold themselves.
3. It is displeasing to the Lord and Judge of all, who regards the lowly andmeek and raises them up in due time.
II THE LORD HIMSELF COMMENDS AND WILL COMMEND HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS. He is not unjust; he is not ungenerous; he is not unmindful.
All works are good, and each is best As most it pleases thee; Each worker pleases when the rest He serves in charity; And neither man nor work unblest Wilt thou permit to be.
1. This commendation is bestowed here and now. In the success of the labourer is evidence of the approbation of the Master.
2. Hereafter shall be a public and pronounced commendation. In the day ofaccount those who have done their Lord"s will shall be accepted. "Then shall every man have praise of God.
III IT IS NOT THE SELF-COMMENDED, BUT THE COMMENDED OF THE LORD, WHO ENDURE THE TEST AND COME OUT FROM IT APPROVED. Work is put to the proof; and not only the work, but the workman, is thus submitted to a decisive trial. If it be asked Who stand the test, and are brought out with honour and acceptance? the answer is Not the boastful, the self-confident, those who are loud in their own praise; but those who, by patient continuance in well doing, by diligent devotion to the service of the Lord, secure his commendation. Such shall abide in the judgment, and shall receive the recompense of reward. T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 18. He whom the Lord commendeth is the one…
18. He whom the Lord commendeth is the one who hath approval; not he who commends himself; a hint to every disciple and preacher. Let our works and life speak for us, not our lips.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but…
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth . [The self-commendation of a man rests on no higher evidence than the testimony of his own lips, but the commendation of God is shown by the works which he enables those to do whom he approves.]
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.