2 Corinthians 5:13

For whether we be besides ourselves Literally, were beside ourselves, i.e. when we were with you. The reproach of madness was afterwards cast upon St Paul by Festus (Acts 26:24), and may well have been cast upon him before this. Cf. Acts 17.

it is to God Better, for God, i.e. for His cause. See -for your cause" below. Literally, for you.

or whether we be sober The word here used signifies the quiet self-restraint characteristic of the Christian. Its original meaning is to have one's thoughts safe, and hence to be of sound, healthy mind (cf. the Latin salvusand our -safe and sound"). Cf. Mark 5:15; Luke 8:35 (where the word is opposed to the idea of madness). Also Romans 12:3; Titus 2:2; Titus 2:4; Titus 2:6, &c.