Summary: True commendation comes from the Lord, not self-praise. I express a divine jealousy for you, aiming to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who recommends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord recommends.
If only you would put up with a little foolishness from me! Please put up with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.