When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels—to say nothing of ordinary matters? If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that? (1Corinthians 6:1-6)

The gathering at Corinth was troubled. Among the troubles were cliques that argued over the predominance of their preferred teacher, a scandalous relationship, self-indulgent sexuality, greed, drunkeness, idolatry, and more.

Paul indicates that these divisive characteristics have led to legal action. Members of the emergent church at Corinth were suing each other in the public courts.

All of this is the sour fruit of the same evil root. Pride, arrogance, and self-assertion cause us to ignore, dismiss, and even despise others. We seek our own advantage by putting others at a disadvantage.

Paul now encourages judgment - the Greek is krino - and claims that the whole world and even God's angels are liable to our judgment. But this is wise, discreet, and objective judgment within a community of shared values and self-giving love.

Krino suggests a separating of the self from the object of judgment. It is a way of judging where the sense-of-self is subordinated or even abandoned. Wise judgment is selfless.