1 Corinthians 4:5 (NKJV) “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.”
The Greek word for judge is ‘krino’ defined as, to properly separate or distinguish; to determine right from wrong. Most times our tendency is to judge by appearance and external projection. We sometimes tend to see the faults and problems of other people while ignoring our own issues and shortcomings.
There are many hidden things of darkness and secrets we may have. No person can gauge our motives. Only an omniscient God can measure our hearts completely and without distortion. He has perfect insight into “the counsels of the hearts” and can evaluate the “hidden things”.
It takes deeper study and application of God’s word to reveal our wicked hearts to ourselves.
(Hebrews 4:12) The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is discerning of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
All of us must wait for the ‘judgment seat of Christ’ to distinguish good from evil motives or true intentions of every deed done and every word spoken. We will find out, that more than works, the motives of the heart matter. We who believe and follow the Lord Jesus Christ can look forward to receive praise from Him, for He alone judges perfectly and rewards accordingly.
