2 Corinthians 13:7-10

13:7 Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test, ¹  but so that you may do what is right ²  even if we may appear to have failed the test. ³  13:8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth. 13:9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified. ⁴  13:10 Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive ⁵  I may not have to deal harshly with you ⁶  by using my authority – the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

¹ tn Or “that we may appear to be approved.”

² tn Or “what is good.”

³ tn Or “even if we appear disapproved.”

⁴ tn Or “fully equipped.”

⁷ tn Grk “when I am present,” but in the context of Paul’s third (upcoming) visit to Corinth, this is better translated as “when I arrive.”

⁸ tn The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.