Misplaced Confidence

Paul, in opposing those who had confidence in the flesh, shows his own impeccable credentials before not only casting them aside as worthless but saying they were positively harmful. When it comes to our standing and acceptance in God's presence, it's vital for us to realize just how despicable it is for us to place any confidence whatsoever in who we are or what we've done. Paul makes this point unmistakably clear by using vulgar language to describe his impressive credentials in this context of what gives man confidence in God's presence.