For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
For. I can confidently expect your prayers for me: "FOR" I walk sincerely toward you.
Our rejoicing, х Kaucheesis (G2746), 'our glorying.'] Not that he boasts of the testimony of his conscience; nay, this testimony is the thing in which his glorying consists.
In simplicity. So C Delta G f g, Vulgate. But 'Aleph (') A B, Origen, read 'in holiness.'
Godly sincerity - literally, 'sincerity of God;' i:e., sincerity as in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 5:8). We glory in this in spite of all our adversities. Sincerity х eilikrineia (G1505)] implies what bears examination by sunlight, and is found unadulterated [eilee and krinoo]. He had no selfish aims (as some insinuated) in failing to visit them as he had promised: such aims belonged to his adversaries, not to him (2 Corinthians 2:17). "Fleshly wisdom" suggests insincere courses; but the "grace of God," which influenced him by God's gift (Romans 12:3) suggests straightforward, sincere faithfulness to promises (2 Corinthians 1:17-20), even as God is faithful to His. The policy which subserves selfish interests, or employs unchristian means, or relies on human aids more than on the Divine Spirit, is "fleshly wisdom."
Conversation - conduct.
In the world - even in relation to the world, which is full of disingenuousness.
More abundantly to you-ward (2 Corinthians 2:4). His greater love would manifest his sincerity, especially to them, which his less close connection with the world did not admit of his exhibiting toward it.