1 Corinthians 4:4-5
What is written? (ESV)
For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
What does it say?
Paul's clear conscience does not acquit him; the Lord judges him. Therefore, they should not judge before the Lord comes, bringing hidden darkness to light and disclosing hearts' purposes. Then each will receive commendation from God.
What is its immediate context?
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul is calling them back to what they have learned and away from the arrogance and divisions that have crept in. In these first four chapters, he emphasizes the need for them to rely upon the word of God that he had shared with them as the foundation to solve these issues.
How 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 is applied across Bible answers
Should we be judging others (Matthew 7:1-2)?
Paul tells the Corinthians the same as to the Christians in Rome4 - it is God who ultimately judges all.
In this context, pretty much from the opening of this letter, Paul is condemning their pride and arrogance in wanting to be prominent among the brethren. This balances with later in the letter7 when he instructs they must judge each other (according to God's word).
