2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

Who are they? Who are these that say such a thing about Paul? All we know from this one verse is that “they” have both read some of Paul’s epistles, seen Paul in person, and talked about Paul to a point in which their sayings were reported back to Paul.

I can infer a gossip by action and judgment by speech. They speak praise and distain from the same mouth. This reminds me of what James said in 3:12 “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

So then by their fruits you should know them. Paul in addressing the issue even more precisely went on to say in verse 12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” This verse spoke directly to those that say, but Paul would be amiss if he did not also address the error in their thoughts and actions. This caused Paul to have to explain himself further.

V13-14 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

His final words about those “who say” wrapped up the chapter.

V18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

Faced with a daunting task I cried out to the Lord “Help!” As I always do in these cases I search the Word for help, especially when I need help. Searching for help, this is what I found.

The Almighty has blessed me with those things which are obvious and also with things less apparent. It is obvious to me that the blessings in the heavenly realm are accessible but the blessings that have already been issued, that lay hidden, are at work already. Do I know what those blessings are if they are beneath, hidden from my observation? Maybe I have an expectation based on His promises since some of those have already appeared with the realm of my understanding. Perhaps they are already at work in me and I just have not yet discovered the benefits of those blessings.

Discovery of the hidden things has happened for me by seeking, understanding and believing God for what He has promised. I did not know them by vanity. I did not “name it and claim it” as I have witnessed error in others. Rather than that I did a close examination of condition, changes, and results. Those things nearly always manifested themselves in two ways. How I acted upon others and how others reacted towards me.

Never reject the idea that the Lord just might use those in fellowship with you to release the very blessings you seek. Yes, we seek God but we are all servants to this God we worship. You can be and are a blessing to me.