1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Study Note
Study Note
'Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.' Paul's counsel against premature judgment applies to evaluating ministries before the final disclosure of divine assessment — a theme developed in the context of Corinthian factionalism around different apostles. The 'counsels of the hearts' brought to light echoes Hebrews 4:12's 'discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,' and the promise 'then shall every man have praise of God' opens the surprising prospect that the final judgment will involve not only condemnation but also divine commendation for faithful service.
Other Translations
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.
so, then, nothing before the time judge ye, till the Lord may come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of the darkness, and will manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then the praise shall come to each from God.
For this reason let there be no judging before the time, till the Lord comes, who will make clear the secret things of the dark, and the designs of the heart; and then will every man have his praise from God.
Cross References
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and …
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be …
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that …
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured …
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of …
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I …
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall …