1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Corinthians 2:15 (KJV)
Context
The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address conflicts and questions within the church at Corinth. In this passage, he contrasts the natural person, who rejects the things of the Spirit, with the spiritual person, who receives them. Verse 15 directly follows Paul’s statement that the natural man cannot know spiritual truths because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Meaning
The verse begins, “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things.” The word “judgeth” means to examine, discern, or evaluate. The spiritual person, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, can rightly assess spiritual truths and everyday matters in light of God’s wisdom. This ability is not natural talent but a gift from God through the Spirit.
The second half, “yet he himself is judged of no man,” does not mean the spiritual person is exempt from accountability. Rather, the natural person, lacking the Spirit, cannot truly understand the spiritual person’s motives, worldview, or character. As Paul explains in the next verse, the spiritual person has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), which remains a mystery to those who do not know Him.
This discernment is not infallible. It is limited by the measure of grace and the degree to which one is led by the Spirit. The spiritual person is ultimately examined by the Lord, not by human standards.
Biblical connections
Paul’s teaching here builds on the contrast between human wisdom and God’s wisdom revealed through the Spirit. The spiritual person’s ability to judge all things is a practical insight into the gospel, not a claim to total or theoretical infallibility. The believer’s judgments are always subject to God’s final evaluation.
Application
As believers, we should grow in spiritual maturity and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in making decisions. This includes developing discernment and relying on God’s wisdom rather than worldly opinions. At the same time, we must remain humble, recognizing that our judgments are not infallible and that we are accountable to God.
Overall: 1 Corinthians 2:15 encourages us to pursue spiritual discernment, depend on God’s wisdom, and maintain humility in our judgments while recognizing the limitations of human understanding.
Reflection
Do we seek the Spirit’s discernment in our daily choices, or do we rely on our own understanding? Let us ask God to fill us with His wisdom, so that we may judge rightly and live humbly before Him.
