11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
11 After all, we don't want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief - we're not oblivious to his sly ways!
11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:11
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.