| Geneva Study Bible {5} 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? (5) He applies the general proposition to a particular, always calling them back to this, to take away from them the false opinion of their own excellency from where all these evils sprang. People's New Testament 6:5 I speak to your shame. The last sentence was spoken to shame them, not as a serious rule. He now speaks seriously. Is it so, that there not a wise man among you? A man of prudent judgment, capable of settling differences among them. Wesley's Notes 6:5 Is there not one among you, who are such admirers of wisdom, that is wise enough to decide such causes? Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 5. your shame-Thus he checks their puffed-up spirit (1Co 5:2; compare 1Co 15:34). To shame you out of your present unworthy course of litigation before the heathen, I have said (1Co 6:4), "Set the least esteemed in the Church to judge." Better even this, than your present course. Is it so?-Are you in such a helpless state that, &c.? not a wise man-though ye admire "wisdom" so much on other occasions (1Co 1:5, 22). Paul alludes probably to the title, "cachain," or wise man, applied to each Rabbi in Jewish councils. no, not one-not even one, amidst so many reputed among you for wisdom (1Co 3:18; 4:6). shall be able-when applied to. brethren-literally, "brother"; that is, judge between brother and brother. As each case should arise, the arbitrator was to be chosen from the body of the church, such a wise person as had the charism, or gift, of church government. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 6:1-8 Christians should not contend with one another, for they are brethren. This, if duly attended to, would prevent many law-suits, and end many quarrels and disputes. In matters of great damage to ourselves or families, we may use lawful means to right ourselves, but Christians should be of a forgiving temper. Refer the matters in dispute, rather than go to law about them. They are trifles, and may easily be settled, if you first conquer your own spirits. Bear and forbear, and the men of least skill among you may end your quarrels. It is a shame that little quarrels should grow to such a head among Christians, that they cannot be determined by the brethren. The peace of a man's own mind, and the calm of his neighbourhood, are worth more than victory. Lawsuits could not take place among brethren, unless there were faults among them. | 
