4 For I know [1] nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 4:4

New International Version

4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

English Standard Version

4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

The Message

4 I'm not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn't mean much. The Master makes that judgment.

New King James Version

4 For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

New Living Translation

4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:4

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-6

(Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-6)

Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable office. Paul had a just concern for his own reputation, but he knew that he who chiefly aimed to please men, would not prove himself a faithful servant of Christ. It is a comfort that men are not to be our final judges. And it is not judging well of ourselves, or justifying ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy. Our own judgment is not to be depended upon as to our faithfulness, any more than our own works for our justification. There is a day coming, that will bring men's secret sins into open day, and discover the secrets of their hearts. Then every slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and rewarded. The word of God is the best rule by which to judge as to men. Pride commonly is at the bottom of quarrels. Self-conceit contributes to produce undue esteem of our teachers, as well as of ourselves. We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by him with various talents.