Paul’s language here is full of sarcasm as he refers to his opponents in Corinth as fools. He does not really think that the Corinthians “are so wise.” Rather Paul thinks that they are very unwise because they gladly tolerate fools. In order to avoid suggesting that Paul’s words should be taken literally, translators may wish to follow the model of Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente, which says “you who consider yourselves to be so wise.” Alternatively translators may wish to include a note, as Williams does in his translation: “keenest sarcasm; even more sarcastic in next sentence.”

On the translation of the verb bear with, see 2 Cor. 11.1 above.

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 .