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Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.

Verse Takeaways

1

Don't Judge Motives

Commentators stress that Paul's command to "judge nothing" is a call to stop making premature and harsh judgments about others' faithfulness. Since we cannot see the "counsels of the hearts," as Calvin notes, any verdict we make about a person's inner motives is incomplete and likely wrong. The Corinthians were wrongly elevating some leaders and tearing down others, a practice Paul tells them to cease.

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Book Overview

1 Corinthians

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Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Corinthians 4:5

18th Century

Theologian

Therefore. In view of the danger of being deceived in your judgment, and the impossibility of certainly knowing the failings of the heart.…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 1 Corinthians 4:5

Wherefore (ωστε). As in 3:21 which see.

Judge nothing (μη τ κρινετε). Stop passing judgment, stop criticiz…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Corinthians 4:5

19th Century

Bishop

Before the time.—This is explained by the following words to be “the day of the Lord.” When this arrives, the truth will be ascer…

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 1 Corinthians 4:5

The apostle leaps forward to the return of Christ when all Christians will have their works examined at the judgment seat of Christ ([Reference 2 C…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 1 Corinthians 4:5

16th Century

Theologian

Therefore judge nothing before the time. From this conclusion it is clear that Paul did not mean to rebuke every kind of judgment without …

John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Corinthians 4:5

17th Century

Pastor

Therefore judge nothing before the time. This is said to prevent rash and precipitate judgment, and agrees with that well…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Corinthians 4:1–6

17th Century

Minister

Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust and, for that reason, had an honourable …