Of worldly things is literally “according to flesh.” Revised English Bible says “of their earthly distinctions” (similarly New American Bible). Anchor Bible, on the other hand, translates “in a worldly way,” indicating that this expression refers to the manner in which the boasting is done rather than the things of which other people boast. The latter interpretation seems somewhat more likely and is followed by New International Version, “in the way the world does.”

As in 11.16, Paul says that he too will boast, that is, in addition to the many. In this context, many is an indirect reference to the “superapostles.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .