For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

For this cause I am writing these things while I am away, so that there may be need for me, when I am present, to make use of sharp measures, by the authority which the Lord has given me for building up and not for destruction.

Δια τουτο ταυτα γραφω απων, δια να μη φερθω αποτομως παρων κατα την εξουσιαν, την οποιαν μοι εδωκεν ο Κυριος προς οικοδομην και ουχι προς καθαιρεσιν.

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.