Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 13:4

"Love suffereth long, [and] is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up," — 1 Corinthians 13:4 (ASV)

Christian love is now described positively and negatively. Its positive characteristics are patience (slow to become resentful), kindness, delight in the truth, and a protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering attitude. Verses 4b-6a state love’s characteristics negatively. “Is not rude” may refer obliquely to the disorderly conduct at worship (11:2–16; 14). Love “keeps no record of wrongs”; indeed, for love to keep a record of wrongs violates its nature. Love does not rejoice in evil, in which it has no part; but it does “rejoice with” the truth, with which it does have a part.

Furthermore, love covers the faults of others rather than delighting in them (v.7). It is trusting, optimistic, and willing to endure persecution (cf. Romans 5:3–4). In short, it “perseveres” (GK 5702).