1Corinthians 4:4 – The futility of own judgement

But neither am I examining myself. For of nothing am I conscious as to myself, but not by this am I justified. Now He Who is examining me is the Lord.

People in Corinth had their judgements ready about Paul’s work as a preacher. But these judgements were as good as worthless to him. Because they were only human judgements. That is why Paul preferred to refrain from judging himself. It is true, no man knows me better than I know myself. But that does not make me suitable to judge myself.

No one is able to judge objectively and purely about matters in which he himself is involved. Paul testifies that he is not aware of any wrongdoing when it comes to his work as a preacher of the word. But that does not justify him yet. Where it concerns myself, I easily have ‘blind spots’. Or my good conscience is thanks to my selective memory.

A pub-style wisdom reads: ‘Do not talk about yourself, we do, when you are gone’. And that is how it is. True modesty is not down judging yourself, but not judging yourself. Above all, leave the judgement to Him who, like no other, is able to consider everything honestly.

Delen: