I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
The verse stands within Paul's relating of his own experience in the eleventh chapter of Second Corinthians. It is to be studied and allowed to speak decisively, so that its instruction guides the work.
Judging by human standards leads to grave mistakes when people take up a work God has not appointed and has condemned. That mistaken work is especially criticizing others, taking the place of judge, and passing sentence upon them. Instead, the instruction of the chapter calls for examining one's own heart. It calls for seeking to put away faultfinding and suspicion, slander and false witness, hatred, and accusations against fellow believers.
It teaches the gospel worker not to enter into controversies. It teaches the worker to obtain a deeper experience. It teaches the worker not to seek to be original by taking up odd notions. It teaches that the work is to be carried forward in a dignified, elevated, and ennobling manner.
The verse stands within Paul's relating of his own experience in the eleventh chapter of Second Corinthians. It is to be studied and allowed to speak decisively, so that its instruction guides the work.
Judging by human standards leads to grave mistakes when people take up a work God has not appointed and has condemned. That mistaken work is especially criticizing others, taking the place of judge, and passing sentence upon them. Instead, the instruction of the chapter calls for examining one's own heart. It calls for seeking to put away faultfinding and suspicion, slander and false witness, hatred, and accusations against fellow believers.
It teaches the gospel worker not to enter into controversies. It teaches the worker to obtain a deeper experience. It teaches the worker not to seek to be original by taking up odd notions. It teaches that the work is to be carried forward in a dignified, elevated, and ennobling manner.