1 Corinthians 13:4

“Charity suffereth long, etc.] The apostle, in this and some following verses, enumerates the several properties and characters of the grace of love; and all along represents it as if it was a person, and no doubt designs one who is possessed of it, and in whose heart it is implanted and reigns; such an one is said to “suffer long”, or be “patient”, as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read; not only under afflictions by the hand of God, which such an one considers as arising from love; but under the reproaches and persecutions of men, for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, and in imitation of him; such a person is slow to anger when abused, not quick of resentment, nor hasty to revenge…”

“suffereth long--under provocations of evil from others. The negative side of love. is kind--the positive side. Extending good to others. Compare with love's features here those of the "wisdom from above" (Jam 3:17). envieth--The Greek includes also jealousy. vaunteth not--in words, even of gifts which it really possesses; an indirect rebuke of those at Corinth who used the gift of tongues for mere display. not puffed up--with party zeal, as some at Corinth were (Co1 4:6).”

“Charity suffereth long - Paul now proceeds to illustrate the “nature” of love, or to show how it is exemplified. His illustrations are all drawn from its effect in regulating our conduct toward others, or our contact with them. The “reason” why he made use of this illustration, rather than its nature as evinced toward “God,” was, probably, because it was especially necessary for them to understand in what way it should be manifested toward each other. There were contentions and strifes among them; there were of course suspicions, and jealousies, and heart-burnings; there would be unkind judging, the imputation of improper motives, and selfishness; there were envy, and pride, and boasting,…”

“The love of God, and of our neighbour for God's sake, is patient toward, all men. It, suffers all the weakness, ignorance, errors, and infirmities of the children of God; all the malice and wickedness of the children of the world: and all this, not only for a time, but to the end. And in every step toward overcoming evil with good, it is kind, soft, mild, benign. It inspires the sufferer at once with the most amiable sweetness, and the most fervent and tender affection. Love acteth not rashly - Does not hastily condemn any one; never passes a severe sentence on a slight or sudden view of things. Nor does it ever act or behave in a violent, headstrong, or precipitate manner. Is not puffed up…”

“13:4-7 This description of Christian love emphasizes the willingness to give up one’s own desires for the good of others (see also 8:1–10:33; Rom 5:6-8; 15:3; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 2:4-8).”

“suffereth: Pro 10:12; Co2 6:6; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:2; Col 1:11, Col 3:12; Ti2 2:25, Ti2 3:10; Ti2 4:2; Jam 3:17; Pe1 4:8 is kind: Neh 9:17; Pro 19:22, Pro 31:20, Pro 31:26; Luk 6:35, Luk 6:36; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12; Pe1 3:8; Pe2 1:7; Jo1 3:16-18, Jo1 4:11 envieth: Co1 3:3; Gen 30:1, Gen 37:11; Mat 27:18; Rom 1:29, Rom 13:13; Co2 12:20; Gal 5:21, Gal 5:26; Phi 1:15; Ti1 6:4; Tit 3:3; Jam 3:14-16, Jam 4:5; Pe1 2:1 vaunteth not itself: or, is not rash, Sa1 25:21, Sa1 25:22, Sa1 25:33, Sa1 25:34; Kg1 20:10, Kg1 20:11; Psa 10:5; Pro 13:10, Pro 17:14, Pro 25:8-10; Ecc 7:8, Ecc 7:9, Ecc 10:4; Dan 3:19-22 is not: Co1 4:6, Co1 4:18, Co1 5:2, Co1 8:1; Col 2:18; Phi 2:1-5 1 Corinthians 13:5”