2 Corinthians 13:8-10

New American Standard Bible

⁸ For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ⁹ For we rejoice when we ourselves are ^(A)weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, ^[a]that you ^(B)become mature. ¹⁰ For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present ^(C)I need not use ^(D)severity, in accordance with the ^(E)authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.