61 Dare any one of you, having a matter with the other, go to be judged before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 have ye not known that the saints shall judge the world? and if by you the world is judged, are ye unworthy of the smaller judgments? 3 have ye not known that we shall judge messengers? why not then the things of life? 4 of the things of life, indeed, then, if ye may have judgment, those despised in the assembly—these cause ye to sit; 5 unto your shame I speak: so there is not among you one wise man, not even one, who shall be able to discern in the midst of his brethren! 6 but brother with brother doth go to be judged, and this before unbelievers! 7 Already, indeed, then, there is altogether a fault among you, that ye have judgments with one another; wherefore do ye not rather suffer injustice? wherefore be ye not rather defrauded? 8 but ye—ye do injustice, and ye defraud, and these—brethren!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
(Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
Christians should not contend with one another, for they are brethren. This, if duly attended to, would prevent many law-suits, and end many quarrels and disputes. In matters of great damage to ourselves or families, we may use lawful means to right ourselves, but Christians should be of a forgiving temper. Refer the matters in dispute, rather than go to law about them. They are trifles, and may easily be settled, if you first conquer your own spirits. Bear and forbear, and the men of least skill among you may end your quarrels. It is a shame that little quarrels should grow to such a head among Christians, that they cannot be determined by the brethren. The peace of a man's own mind, and the calm of his neighbourhood, are worth more than victory. Lawsuits could not take place among brethren, unless there were faults among them.