New Revised Standard Version
So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Contemporary English Version
I am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so I could help you and not destroy you.

New American Bible
I am writing this while I am away, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in virtue of the authority that the Lord has given me to build up and not to tear down.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification and not unto destruction.

Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification and not unto destruction.

I write.

2 Corinthians 2:3 And I wrote this same to you: that I may not, when I come, have sorrow upon sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice: having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence wherewith I am thought to be bold, against some who reckon us as if we walked according to the flesh.

2 Corinthians 12:20,21 For I fear lest perhaps, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found by you such as you would not. Lest perhaps contentions, envyings, animosities, dissensions, detractions, whisperings, swellings, seditions, be among you. . . .

1 Corinthians 4:21 What will you? Shall I come to you with a rod? Or in charity and in the spirit of meekness?

lest.

2 Corinthians 13:2,8 I have told before and foretell, as present and now absent, to them that sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare. . . .

Titus 1:13 This testimony is true. Wherefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith:

according.

2 Corinthians 10:8 For if also I should boast somewhat more of our power, which the Lord hath given us unto edification and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed.