2 Corinthians / Question
Paul says "godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret." He contrasts it with "worldly grief" which produces death. See 2 Corinthians 7:10.
In 2 Corinthians 7:8–10 Paul reflects on a previous letter that caused the Corinthians real pain. He admits he briefly regretted writing it, since it hurt them, but he no longer regrets it because their sadness led to a decisive change. This passage sits inside Paul’s longer explanation of a strained relationship that has begun to heal. Just before, he reports that Titus brought encouraging news about the Corinthians’ renewed concern and responsiveness (2 Corinthians 7:5–7).
Paul describes a real pastoral dilemma: a strong letter caused real pain, and he briefly wished he had not sent it (verse 8). Yet he ends up not regretting it because the pain did not remain “for a while,” and it produced a decisive change (verses 8–9).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with 2 Corinthians 7:10, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
10For Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.