1 Corinthians 6:5

KJV

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

KJV (with Strong's)

I speak {G3004} to {G4314} your {G5213} shame {G1791}. Is it so {G3779}, that there {G2076} is not {G3756} a wise man {G4680} among {G1722} you {G5213}? no, not {G3761} one {G1520} that {G3739} shall be able {G1410} to judge {G1252} between {G303}{G3319} his {G846} brethren {G80}?

Complete Jewish Bible

I say, shame on you! Can it be that there isn’t one person among you wise enough to be able to settle a dispute between brothers?

Berean Standard Bible

I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?

American Standard Version

I say this to move you to shame. What, cannot there be found among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 6:5, expresses profound disappointment and shame over the Corinthian believers' practice of taking their internal disputes to pagan courts rather than resolving them within the Christian community. His rhetorical question highlights the perceived absence of spiritual wisdom and discernment among them, challenging their capacity to judge even minor matters, especially given their future eschatological role. This verse serves as a sharp rebuke, underscoring the vital importance of internal conflict resolution to preserve the church's integrity, witness, and spiritual maturity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits Among Believers"). Paul has just laid the groundwork by reminding the Corinthians of their exalted future role in judging the world and even angels (see [1 Corinthians 6:2-3](/1_corinthians/6-2-3 "Believers Judging the World and Angels")). He then contrasts this grand destiny with their current shameful practice of submitting their disputes to unrighteous, secular judges. Verse 5, with its pointed rhetorical question, directly follows Paul's incredulous inquiry in [1 Corinthians 6:4](/1_corinthians/6-4 "Paul's Question on Secular Judges in 1 Corinthians 6:4") about why they would appoint those of no standing in the church to judge such matters. The entire passage (from [1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "Paul's Rebuke on Lawsuits in 1 Corinthians 6")) builds a powerful case for internal resolution, culminating in Paul's shocking statement that it would be better to be wronged than to bring public disgrace upon the body of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, trade, and diverse population, but also for its moral laxity and litigious culture. Roman law was prevalent, and lawsuits were a common means of resolving disputes. For Christians to take their brethren to these secular courts was deeply problematic. Such actions not only exposed internal church conflicts to a hostile, unbelieving public, thereby damaging the Christian witness, but also implicitly acknowledged the authority of pagan legal systems over the spiritual principles of the church. Furthermore, the practice contradicted the early Christian emphasis on communal solidarity and mutual accountability, as seen in Jesus' teachings on conflict resolution in [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Jesus' Teaching on Church Discipline").
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits Among Believers") is the **holiness and distinctiveness of the Christian community**. This verse specifically highlights the themes of **spiritual wisdom and discernment**, emphasizing that believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, should possess the capacity to resolve conflicts internally according to God's principles. It also underscores the importance of **maintaining the church's witness** in the world; public lawsuits among believers brought shame upon the name of Christ and hindered evangelism. Paul's argument further touches upon **Christian unity and brotherly love**, suggesting that the willingness to suffer wrong is preferable to damaging the communal bond and reputation. The broader context of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") repeatedly addresses issues of disunity and immaturity within the Corinthian church, making this passage a direct application of those concerns.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shame (Greek, _entropḗ'_):** From G1791, meaning confusion or disgrace. Paul uses this strong term to convey the profound humiliation and dishonor that the Corinthians' actions brought upon themselves and the Christian community. It's not merely a feeling of embarrassment, but a public reproach that undermines their spiritual standing and witness.
* **wise man (Greek, _sophós'_):** From G4680, meaning wise in a general application. In this context, it refers not just to intellectual acumen but specifically to spiritual wisdom and discernment. Paul implies that a Spirit-filled community should have individuals capable of applying godly principles to practical disputes, demonstrating sound judgment rooted in divine truth, rather than worldly cleverness.
* **to judge (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** From G1252, meaning to separate thoroughly, to discriminate, or to decide. This verb encompasses the act of discerning, evaluating, and making a decision between two parties. Paul's rhetorical question implies a complete lack of this crucial spiritual ability within the Corinthian church, which he finds astonishing given their spiritual gifts and future role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I speak to your shame."**: Paul opens with a direct, cutting indictment, expressing his deep disappointment and the disgrace that the Corinthians' behavior has brought upon themselves and the Christian community. This phrase sets the tone for a severe rebuke, aiming to provoke a sense of spiritual embarrassment and conviction.
* **"Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to highlight the apparent absence of spiritual maturity and discernment within the church. Paul challenges the Corinthians' self-perception of wisdom and spiritual giftedness, implying that if they truly possessed such qualities, they would be able to handle their own affairs.
* **"no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"**: This further intensifies the rhetorical question, emphasizing the complete lack of a single individual capable of mediating disputes. The phrase "between his brethren" underscores the familial nature of the church and the impropriety of involving outsiders in family matters. It highlights the failure of the community to exercise internal spiritual authority and wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey his strong rebuke. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful point, expressing Paul's astonishment and implying a negative answer that should shame the Corinthians. It serves as a powerful **Indictment** and **Rebuke**, directly challenging their spiritual maturity and the health of their community. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** at play: Paul has just reminded them that they are destined to judge the world and angels, yet they cannot even judge trivial matters among themselves. This stark contrast highlights the absurdity and spiritual immaturity of their current actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on the distinctiveness and self-governance of the redeemed community. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to operate by a different standard than the world, reflecting God's wisdom and righteousness. When believers resort to secular courts for internal disputes, they not only betray the spiritual principles of reconciliation and brotherly love but also bring disrepute upon the name of Christ before a watching world. The ability to resolve conflicts internally, guided by Spirit-given wisdom, is a hallmark of a mature and healthy church, demonstrating the transforming power of the Gospel and upholding the church's prophetic witness. This principle aligns with the broader biblical call for believers to live in unity and peace, reflecting the character of God.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Jesus' Teaching on Church Discipline and Reconciliation")
* [Philippians 2:14-16](/philippians/2-14-16 "Living Blamelessly in a Crooked Generation")
* [James 3:17-18](/james/3-17-18 "The Wisdom from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's sharp rebuke in 1 Corinthians 6:5 serves as a timeless challenge to the church in every generation. It calls us to a higher standard of spiritual maturity and internal accountability, reminding us that the way we handle conflict within the body of Christ profoundly impacts our witness to the world. Rather than immediately seeking external, secular solutions, believers are called to cultivate an environment where disputes can be resolved through prayer, godly counsel, mediation by wise and Spirit-filled individuals, and a willingness to forgive and be reconciled. This requires humility, a commitment to unity over personal gain, and a deep understanding that the integrity of the church's testimony is paramount. When we fail to resolve our differences internally, we not only dishonor Christ but also present a fractured and unconvincing picture of His transforming power to a world desperately in need of true reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our current practices as believers or as a church inadvertently bring "shame" to the name of Christ before the world?**
* **How can we, as individuals, actively cultivate the spiritual wisdom and discernment necessary to mediate conflicts effectively within our Christian communities?**
* **What practical steps can our local church take to strengthen its capacity for internal conflict resolution, fostering an environment of reconciliation rather than litigation?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so upset about believers taking each other to court?**

Answer: Paul's strong reaction stemmed from several critical concerns. Firstly, it brought **shame and disrepute** upon the name of Christ and the church in the eyes of the pagan world. Christians were supposed to be different, living by a higher standard of love and justice, but public lawsuits made them appear no different from the contentious society around them. Secondly, it demonstrated a profound **lack of spiritual wisdom and discernment** within the Corinthian church. Paul believed that believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and destined to judge the world and even angels (as mentioned in [1 Corinthians 6:2-3](/1_corinthians/6-2-3 "Believers Judging the World and Angels")), should certainly be capable of resolving "trivial" earthly disputes among themselves. Thirdly, it undermined the **unity and integrity** of the body of Christ. Lawsuits are inherently adversarial, creating division rather than fostering the peace and reconciliation that should characterize Christian relationships. Paul even suggests in [1 Corinthians 6:7](/1_corinthians/6-7 "Paul's Call to Suffer Wrong in 1 Corinthians 6:7") that it would be better to suffer injustice than to bring such public scandal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call for wisdom and internal judgment among believers in [1 Corinthians 6:5](/1_corinthians/6-5 "Paul's Rebuke on Lawsuits in 1 Corinthians 6:5") finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of divine wisdom, "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ, the Wisdom of God")), and through His Spirit, He imparts this wisdom to His followers. The ability to "judge between his brethren" is not merely human sagacity but a Spirit-empowered discernment, rooted in the mind of Christ ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "Having the Mind of Christ")). Christ's life and ministry exemplify reconciliation, as He came to break down dividing walls ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ, Our Peace")) and make peace through His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). Therefore, when believers resolve conflicts internally, they are not just following a rule, but participating in the very ministry of reconciliation entrusted to them by Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:18](/2_corinthians/5-18 "The Ministry of Reconciliation")). The shame Paul speaks of is overcome by the glory of Christ, who enables His church to live as a distinct, unified, and wise community, reflecting His character to a watching world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 4:14

¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Proverbs 14:8

¶ The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1 Corinthians 11:14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?