John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 4:5

"Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God." — 1 Corinthians 4:5 (ASV)

Therefore judge nothing before the time. From this conclusion it is clear that Paul did not mean to rebuke every kind of judgment without exception, but only that which is hasty and rash, made without examining the case. For the Corinthians did not observe with an unjaundiced eye the character of each individual, but, blinded by ambition, groundlessly extolled one and depreciated another, and took it upon themselves to determine the dignity of each individual beyond what is lawful for humans. Let us know, then, how much is allowed us, what is now within the sphere of our knowledge, and what is deferred until the day of Christ, and let us not attempt to go beyond these limits. For some things are now seen openly, while others lie buried in obscurity until the day of Christ.

Who will bring to light. If this is affirmed truly and properly concerning the day of Christ, it follows that, however well-regulated matters may be in this world, many things are still shrouded in darkness; and however much light there is, many things still remain obscure. I speak of human life and actions. He explains in the second clause what causes this obscurity and confusion, so that not all things are now evident. This is because there are astonishing recesses and deepest hiding-places in human hearts. Therefore, until the thoughts of the hearts are brought to light, darkness will always remain.

And then shall every one have praise. It is as though he had said, "You now, O Corinthians, as if you were judging the prizes, crown some and send away others with disgrace; but this right and office belong exclusively to Christ. You do that before the time—before it has become clear who is worthy to be crowned; but the Lord has appointed a day on which He will make it clear." This statement arises from the assurance of a good conscience, which also brings us this advantage: that by committing our praises into the hands of God, we disregard the empty breath of human applause.