"For our boasting is this:…."

Not that I have the time to do it but it would be interesting to read the Bible in it's original languages.  Some things just don't translate well and are a bit confusing.  Here is an example.

2 Corinthians 1:12-13(NKJV)

12For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 

13For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end 

I have no problem with what they are boasting about.  I think those are worthy things.  What I think is confusing is the way it starts.  Just to be clear, this is Paul writing.   

He starts out by saying "For our boasting".  Well isn't boasting really bragging about something that we are proud of?  And doesn't Scripture tell us not to be prideful? 

This is the type of thing that I mean by lost in translation.  I wonder if pride is really the best word to use here to convey the meaning of the original text.  Let's look at the definition of pride.

Pride

1. a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
2. the state or feeling of being proud.
3. a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.
4. pleasure or satisfaction taken in something done by or belonging to oneself or believed to reflect credit upon oneself:

           civic pride.

5. something that causes a person or persons to be proud:

           His art collection was the pride of the family.

6. the best of a group, class, society, etc.:

           This bull is the pride of the herd.

7. the most flourishing state or period:

           in the pride of adulthood.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pride>

I've highlighted two particular definitions.  I think most of us would agree that the first definition is what the Scriptural admonition against being prideful is warning against.  

On the other hand I don't think there is anything at all wrong with definition number 3.  Scripture tells us that we should love our neighbors as ourselves.  That indicates that we should love ourselves.  Self respect and self esteem are part of the package of loving ourselves in my opinion. 

I think this is yet again proof that the Bible is a book of balance and to fully understand it you need to take it in it's entirety.  The other thing you need to fully understand Scripture is the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

How do you get that?  By accepting Jesus into you life.  Have you done that yet?  If not why not right now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."