1 Corinthians 3:18–4:5

18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wisem by the standards of this age,n you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishnesso in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”a;p 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”b q 21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders!r All things are yours,s 22 whether Paul or Apollost or Cephasc u or the world or life or death or the present or the futurev—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ,w and Christ is of God.

The Nature of True Apostleship

4 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servantsx of Christ and as those entrustedy with the mysteriesz God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My consciencea is clear, but that does not make me innocent.b It is the Lord who judges me.c 5 Therefore judge nothingd before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.e He will bring to lightf what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.g