1 Corinthians 4:8
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
The verse exposes a self-satisfaction that counts itself already spiritually full and rich and reigning as kings apart from Paul and his fellow workers and God's true ministers. That pride consists in thinking of men above that which is written, being puffed up for one against another, and glorying in received gifts as if they had not been received. By this rebuke deficiencies are made to stand apparent and plain before angels and men.
It contrasts that attitude with the humility and faithfulness required of stewards of the mysteries of God. Such stewards gain a true living experience, refuse to live by human judgment, and leave judgment to the Lord who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and make manifest the counsels of the hearts. As instruction clearly defining the position of a steward, the verse is to be made a diligent study by ministers of Christ and physicians and used to ask where they stand.
Faithful stewardship means keeping everything in order because the Master's goods in means and in property are placed in his hands, and realizing it is the Master's property being handled. It means keeping a conscience void of offense toward God and fellow men, keeping his position untarnished by mean actions in dealing with other stewards, and not trying to make his own course appear as possessing great wisdom. The verse thus calls every soul to have his righteousness going before him so the glory of God will be his rearward, because God's most splendid workmanship is His building in human character.