2 Corinthians 6:8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise.
These two comparative clauses refer to strong social forces in Paul’s day and which are still present in our own times. Glory is experienced and given as honor. It is an important biblical word when used in reference to God. The goal of our existence is to experience the glory of God (Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Paul expresses his confidence in God’s power at work in him during both the high points and the low points.
Having dishonor as a means by which Paul experienced God’s power and commended himself is noteworthy when lined up with glory. Even if we too experience shame before people or are considered “unworthy,” God can work through this situation and use us in his kingdom. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his first letter, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being[d] might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). God does miracles through us by his power even when we are viewed as weak and shameful in the eyes of the world.
The next two words share the same root and are opposites. Slander is speaking bad about someone. It attempts to ruin the reputation of another person by telling lies or half truths in a derogatory or hurtful way. One phrase that captures this is “back biting.” The motives behind slander are usually to make another person look small, insignificant, or wrong. It can involve trying to ruin the reputation of another person, usually to make oneself look bigger.
Praise is the opposite and speaks good words about a person. It describes someone is positive words that build up the reputation of that person. A powerful way to build up another person is to speak good things about that person to secondary person. Words will get back to the first person and result in that person feeling better about him or herself. Speaking ill about a person to a secondary person may also get back to the first person and cause significant harm to that person and to relationships. Praise has positive effects on people. Paul and his friends had experienced both types of speech. This letter reflects Paul’s efforts to deal with the slander of the false apostles who had gone to Corinth and caused problems.
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