1 Corinthians 4:5

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, etc.] This is said to prevent rash and precipitate judgment, and agrees with that well know Jewish maxim, ˆydb ˆynwtm wwh, “be slow in judgment” f42; not hasty to pass sentence; it is best to leave things to the great day of account, than to be free in censuring one another. There is a time “fixed” for the awful judgment, though of that day and hour knows no man: judge nothing until the Lord come; who at the fixed time will certainly come to judgment, and that suddenly, at unawares, in an hour no man knows of: who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness; meaning not so much vices, immoralities, wickedness of all sorts committed in the dark,…”

“Disproving the judicial power claimed by the Romish priesthood in the confessional. Therefore--as the Lord is the sole Decider or Dijudicator. judge--not the same Greek word as in Co1 4:3-4, where the meaning is to approve of or decide on, the merits of one's case. Here all judgments in general are forbidden, which would, on our part, presumptuously forestall God's prerogative of final judgment. Lord--Jesus Christ, whose "ministers" we are (Co1 4:1), and who is to be the judge (Joh 5:22, Joh 5:27; Act 10:42; Act 17:31). manifest . . . hearts--Our judgments now (as those of the Corinthians respecting their teachers) are necessarily defective; as we only see the outward act, we cannot see the…”

“Therefore - Inview of the danger of being deceived in your judgment, and the impossibility of certainly knowing the failings of the heart. Judge nothing - Pass no decided opinion; see the note at Matthew 7:1. The apostle here takes occasion to inculcate on them an important lesson - one of the leading lessons of Christianity - not to pass a harsh opinion on the conduct of any man, since there are so many things that go to make up his character which we cannot know; and so many secret failings and motives which are all concealed from us. Until the Lord come - The Lord Jesus at the Day of Judgment, when all secrets shall be revealed, and a true judgment shall be passed on all men. Who both…”

“Therefore judge nothing before the time - Appointed for judging all men. Until the Lord come, who, in order to pass a righteous judgment, which otherwise would be impossible, will both bring to light the things which are now covered with impenetrable darkness, and manifest the most secret springs of action, the principles and intentions of every heart. And then shall every one - Every faithful steward, have praise of God. 1 Corinthians 4:6”

“4:5 don’t make judgments about anyone: Only the Lord can fully know a person’s heart, and when he returns, he will judge. Paul took God’s judgment of his ministry very seriously (see 2 Cor 5:9-10; Phil 2:16; 1 Thes 2:19-20; cp. 2 Cor 1:14).”

“judge: Mat 7:1, Mat 7:2; Luk 6:37; Rom 2:1, Rom 2:16, Rom 14:4, Rom 14:10-13; Jam 4:11 until: Co1 1:7, Co1 11:26, Co1 15:23; Mat 24:30, Mat 24:46; Th1 5:2; Jam 5:7; Pe2 3:4, Pe2 3:12; Jde 1:14; Rev 1:7 who: Co1 3:13; Ecc 11:9, Ecc 12:14; Mal 3:18; Luk 12:1-3; Rom 2:16; Co2 4:2; Heb 4:13; Rev 20:12 praise: Mat 25:21, Mat 25:23; Joh 5:44; Rom 2:7, Rom 2:29; Co2 5:10, Co2 10:18; Pe1 1:7, Pe1 5:4 1 Corinthians 4:6”