2 Corinthians 12:7 Quotes
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And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Context
This line is written by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7.
At this point in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he's just finished talking about what awesome things he's done in God's name—visions, miracles, the works. But he wants to assure his readers that he has his weaknesses, too, so he discloses his medical history.
Where you've heard it
A thorn in the flesh (or a thorn in your side) is something that bugs or hinders you in some way. "Another ticket! That pesky campus parking patrol has been a thorn in my side all semester!"
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Pretty safe. Just don't use this one too much around people in the rose business.