“…does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil…” 1 Corinthians 13:5
Here we have four negative statements about things antithetical to the love of God in our lives. These four threaten the unity Paul called the Corinthians to live out in the opening section of this letter (1:10). Proper attitudes and actions are crucial to every relationship, so we must be on our guard against these negative characteristics. Once again, the solution is true, biblically defined love.
Love is not rude or does not behave itself unseemly. The latter is probably a stronger translation as it more clearly depicts the meaning of the term. This term literally means something that is deformed. Paul is saying there is a form or pattern of behavior expected of the child of God. Biblical love does not shirk that manner of life. 1 John 5:1-3 should be pondered in conjunction with this concept as John boils down the love of God in the Christian’s life to keeping God’s commandments. This covers every aspect of life, including every type of relationship imaginable. If we love as God would have us to, we will live in ways that reflect this dedication to His will and ways.
Love does not seek its own. The ESV renders this “…does not insist on its own way.” If we are to avoid unseemly behaviors, we must avoid selfishness. It has been said that selfishness is at the root of every sin. When Satan tempted Eve, he convinced her to seek her own advancement rather than defer to the will of God (Genesis 3:6). The same rings true every time we sin. One way or another, we look at the “…all things pertaining to life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3) which God provided, and we desire something beyond or antithetical to those provisions. This is remarkably harmful in human relationships as a self-seeking person may harm others to have what he/she desires. The solution again is true, biblically defined love (Philippians 2:5-11).
Love is not easily provoked, not irritable. Who has not had to deal with that person who is so easily provoked you never know what will set them off? It is so difficult to operate within such conditions. Certainly, there are things that ought to provoke us, though we must be angry and sin not (Ephesians 4:26), and we must be slow to become angry (James 1:19). How often has unnecessary provocation harmed a congregation, home, workplace, etc.? God’s demands for our interpersonal relationships clearly show He will not tolerate our mistreatment of others because of our short fuses (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:19; 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:7).
The last of these is a little tricky as it is translated in different ways. The KJV and NKJV state that love thinks no evil. The ASV says, “…taketh not account of evil…” The NASB has “…Does not take into account a wrong suffered.” The NEB has, “…keeps no score of wrongs.” Young’s Literal Translation has love “…doth not impute evil.” In essence, the KJV and NKJV renderings focus on the thoughts of the mind and the avoidance of pondering evil. The others focus on the mind that takes account of wrongs done by others. The verb translated here encompasses both ideas, so perhaps our understanding of it should as well. We know from a host of passages that we are to put away evil thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28; 9:4; 12:33-37; Acts 8:20-22). The primary use of the term here is “to reckon, count, compute, take into account” (Thayer) or to “take an inventory” (Strong). Considering the previous issue of provocation, this may be the most natural use of the term here.
These four principles paint a picture of one who is inconsiderate, selfish, hot-headed, and grudging. How much harm would we avoid in the absence of these? Imagine how healthy and vibrant the church can be if we all drive out such attitudes by embracing the love of God. May we then “…put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:14).