1 Corinthians 4:1-7

Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Faithful Manager

4 A person should consider us in this way: as servants^(A) of Christ and managers^(B) of God’s mysteries.^{(C) 2} In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful.^{(D) 3} It is of little^(E) importance to me that I should be evaluated^(F) by you or by any human court.^[a] In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself. ⁴ For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified^(G) by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore don’t judge^(H) anything prematurely, before the Lord comes,^(I) who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.^(J)

The Apostles’ Example of Humility

⁶ Now, brothers,^(K) I have applied these things to myself and Apollos^(L) for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.”^[b] The purpose is that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over another. ⁷ For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?