1 Corinthians 4:5

ὥστε μὴ πρὸ καιροῦ τι κρίνετε. κρίνω here, because the decision, not the process is meant, while the present tense signifies the habit of exercising judgment. καιρός signifies the proper time for the decision. The precept is here applied to the relation of teacher and taught which is laid down generally in Matthew 7:1 and Romans 2:1. It is our duty to listen to the teaching of God’s ministers, test it humbly yet candidly, by the aid of God’s word, to ‘hold fast that which is good’ and act upon it (1 Thessalonians 5:21), but to avoid all scrutiny and imputation of motives, since to search the heart is the prerogative of God alone. ‘Learn not to judge, for we do not know the secrets of the heart. We judge men by gifts, or by a correspondence with our own peculiarities, but God judges by fidelity.’ Robertson.

τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους. Cf. Psalms 44:21; Romans 2:16 and ch. 1 Corinthians 14:25. It clearly means the secret iniquity of the heart.

ὁ ἔπαινος. The praise he deserves.