John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 13:5

"doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;" — 1 Corinthians 13:5 (ASV)

Doth not behave itself unseemly; Erasmus renders it “Is not disdainful;” but as he quotes no author in support of this interpretation, I have preferred to retain its proper and usual meaning. I explain it, however, in this way—that love does not engage in foolish display, nor does it bluster, but instead observes moderation and propriety. And in this manner, he again indirectly rebukes the Corinthians, because they shamefully disregarded all propriety with their improper arrogance.

Seeketh not its own. From this we may infer how very far we are from having love implanted in us by nature, for we are naturally prone to love and care for ourselves and to aim at our own advantage. Indeed, to speak more accurately, we rush headlong into it.

The remedy for such a perverse inclination is love, which leads us to stop being preoccupied with ourselves and to become concerned for our neighbors, loving them and caring for their welfare. Furthermore, to seek one’s own things is to be devoted to self and to be wholly taken up with concern for one’s own advantage.

This definition resolves the question of whether it is lawful for a Christian to be concerned for their own advantage. For Paul does not here rebuke every kind of care or concern for ourselves, but rather its excess, which stems from an immoderate and blind attachment to ourselves.

Now, the excess lies in this—if we think of ourselves so much that we neglect others, or if the desire for our own advantage diverts us from the concern that God commands us to have for our neighbors.

He adds that love is also a bridle to restrain quarrels, and this follows from the first two statements. For where there is gentleness and forbearance, people in that case do not suddenly become angry and are not easily provoked to disputes and conflicts.