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.