1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Judge nothing. Paul makes it plain that it is wrong to entertain a harsh or unkind opinion regarding our fellow men. Being imperfect ourselves, we are not qualified to form correct estimates of the characters of others (see Matt. 7:1-3; Rom. 2:1-3; James 4:11, 12; MB 124; DA 805; AA 276; 5T 347; 9T 185, 186). It is particularly dangerous to indulge in destructive criticism of God’s workers (see 1 Tim. 5:1, 17, 19; cf. Num. 16:3, 13, 14, 29-35; 5T 497; TM 410). The Christian cannot avoid noticing defects of conduct in his fellow men, but he must refrain from judging motives and from passing judgment upon his fellow men in the sphere of their spiritual relationship to God.

The time. Gr. kairos, “the proper season,” “opportune time” (see on Mark 1:15). Paul refers to the time appointed by God for judgment. It is possible for men to hide their true characters from their fellow men, but at God’s duly considered season, when Christ comes again, nothing will remain covered, not even the most carefully guarded secret thoughts and purposes that are harbored in the minds of men (see Ps. 44:21; Eccl. 12:14; 4T 63; 5T 147).

Praise. Literally, “the praise,” that is, the reward. At that time when the plans and purposes of men are revealed, every worker for God will receive his just measure of approval. We can safely leave the apportioning of praise to the righteous Judge, who never errs. Men should beware of giving praise to God’s servants (see 4T 400; cf. COL 161, 162). God’s ministers are merely His instruments and it is God who uses them to accomplish His purposes; therefore it is He alone who should be praised and exalted.