Answer
In 1 Corinthians 4:5, the apostle Paul writes, “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 one’s praise will come from God” (NKJV). In this verse, Paul instructs us not to judge other Christians. In the next chapter, however, he instructs us to judge other Christians. He asks, “What have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?” (1 Corinthians 5:12, ESV). Paul is not contradicting himself. He is simply saying that there is a proper and improper way to judge other Christians.
Because we do not know “the things now hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5, ESV), we should be slow to pronounce judgment against our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our cautiousness in passing judgment stems from the fact that so much is hidden from us. We do not know a person’s thoughts, motives, or extenuating circumstances, for example. So, Paul advises, judge nothing before the time. When the Lord Jesus returns, all will be revealed, and the Just Judge will set things right.
The exception to the “do not judge” rule is dealt with in the next chapter. If a professing believer does something that is blatantly sinful, then that action needs to be discerned and dealt with: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1, ESV). Paul then tells the church to “put [him] out of your fellowship” (verse 2). In the case of sinful behavior, we are permitted to “judge” fellow church members—that, is we exercise church discipline. Even so, our judgment should be loving, kind, and gracious: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
Some Corinthians contended that Paul was not an eloquent orator and did not cut an imposing figure (see 1 Corinthians 1:17, 2:3–4; 4:18–21; 2 Corinthians 10:9–10). As a result, some of the Corinthians believed that there was something deficient in Paul’s character and ministry (1 Corinthians 4:5). This demonstrates our tendency to judge others based on superficial qualities such as speaking ability. Paul may not have preached with “words of eloquent wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:17, ESV), but he always proclaimed “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV). The Corinthians’ tendency to issue snap judgments is a good reason to judge nothing before the time.
Harsh and unfair judgment undermines the spirit of peace and unity. For this reason, Paul urges believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3, ESV). Peace and unity among believers is of great importance, as it reflects the oneness of the Father and Son (John 17:21).
Moreover, Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10–13). We may not know the secret things of a person’s heart, but God does, and He will bring everything to light on judgment day (1 Corinthians 4:5). When we judge others harshly or prematurely, we give Satan a foothold to cause division within the church. This is why Paul instructs us to judge nothing before the time.
