; (21)for we provide for what is
honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of
men.

(22)And we sent with them our brother, whom we have often in many
things proved to be diligent, but now much more diligent, through the
great confidence which he has toward you. (23)As to Titus, he is my
partner, and in regard to you a fellow-laborer; as to our brethren,
they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
(24)Therefore show toward them, and before the churches, the proof of
your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

IX.

FOR concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me
to write to you. (2)For I know your readiness of mind, of which I
boast for you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since
a year ago; and your zeal stirred up the greater part of them. (3)But
I sent the brethren, that our boasting of you might not be made in
vain in this respect; that, as I said, ye may be prepared; (4)lest
haply, if Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that
we say not, ye) should be put to shame in respect to this confidence.

(5)I thought it necessary, therefore, to exhort the brethren, that
they should go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty
before promised, that this may be ready, in manner as a bounty and not
as covetousness. (6)But as to this, he that sows sparingly shall also
reap sparingly; and he that sows with blessings shall also reap with
blessings; (7)but each as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or
of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

(8)And God is able to make every grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound toward every
good work; (9)(as it is written:

He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor;
His righteousness abides forever;)

(10)and he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will
supply and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your
righteousness; (11)being enriched in everything to all liberality,
which works through us thanksgiving to God. (12)Because the
ministration of this service not only supplies the wants of the
saints, but also abounds through many thanksgivings to God; (13)while
by the proof of this ministration they glorify God for the obedience
to your profession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of
the contribution to them, and to all; (14)they also, with supplication
for you, long