In this passage, Paul is addressing the Corinthians with a sense of irony and self-awareness. He admits to feeling ashamed for not being as bold or assertive as others who boast about their achievements. However, he uses this admission to make a larger point about the nature of boasting and true strength. Paul is keenly aware that boasting is often seen as foolishness, yet he engages in it to make a point about the values of the world versus the values of the Kingdom of God.
Paul's approach is to show that true strength and worth do not come from self-promotion or comparing oneself to others, but from humility and reliance on God. By admitting his own weaknesses, Paul exemplifies the Christian principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness. This passage invites believers to reflect on where they place their confidence and encourages them to find their identity and strength in their relationship with God, rather than in worldly achievements or the approval of others.