John Calvin 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)

Love is patient. He now commends love based on its effects or fruits, although at the same time these praises are not intended merely for its commendation, but to make the Corinthians understand what its functions are, and what its nature is. The main goal, however, is to show how necessary it is for preserving the unity of the Church. I also have no doubt that he designed indirectly to reprove the Corinthians, by setting before them a contrast, in which they might recognize, through their opposites, their own vices.

The first commendation of love is this — that, by patient endurance of many things, it promotes peace and harmony in the Church. Closely related to this is the second excellence — gentleness and mildness, for such is the meaning of the verb χρηστεύεσθαι. A third excellence is that it counteracts emulation, the seed of all contentions. Under emulation he includes envy, a vice closely related to it. Or rather, he means that emulation which is connected with envy and frequently springs from it. Therefore, where envy reigns — where everyone desires to be first, or appear so — love there has no place.

What I have translated as does not act insolently is, in the Greek, χρηστεύεσθαι. Erasmus has translated it, is not froward. It is certain that the word has different meanings; but, as it is sometimes understood to mean — being fierce, or insolent, through presumption, this meaning seemed more suitable for this passage. Paul, therefore, attributes moderation to love. He declares that it is a bridle to restrain people, so that they do not erupt into ferocity but may live together in a peaceable and orderly manner. He adds, further, that it has nothing of the nature of pride. Therefore, the person who is governed by love, is not puffed up with pride, so as to despise others and feel satisfied with himself.