In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.
17. What I speak, I speak not after the Lord His disposition, it is true, had an eye to God, but the outward appearance “La facon exterieure en laquelle il procede;” — “The outward manner in which he goes to work.” might seem unsuitable to a servant of the Lord.
Here we have a further excuse that the apostle makes for what he was about to say in his own vindication. 1. He would not have them think he was guilty of folly, in saying what he said to vindicate himself: Let no man think me a fool, Co2 11:16. Ordinarily, indeed, it is unbecoming a wise man to be much and often speaking in his own praise.
Commenting on 2 Corinthians 11:16-21
That which I speak,.... Meaning in vindication and commendation of himself, on this subject of glorying; or, as here expressed, in this confidence of boasting; for which he thought he had good ground and foundation to go upon, and therefore might express himself with the greatest assurance, see Co2 9:4 this he declares he spoke not as from the Lord, but of himself: I speak...