If so, have you not made distinctions ¹  among yourselves and become judges with evil motives? ² 

All a person’s ways ¹  seem right ²  in his own opinion, ³  but the Lord evaluates ⁴  the motives. ⁵ 

The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment. ¹ 

you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.

What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, ¹  and I will continue to rejoice,

Examine me, O Lord, and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! ¹ 

All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, ¹  but the Lord evaluates ²  the motives. ³ 

The way of the guilty person ¹  is devious, ²  but as for the pure, ³  his way is upright.

For the appeal we make ¹  does not come ²  from error or impurity or with deceit,

So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will ¹  bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition ²  from God.

My words come from the uprightness of my heart, ¹  and my lips will utter knowledge sincerely. ² 

Do not crave that ruler’s ¹  delicacies, for ²  that food is deceptive. ³ 

then listen from your heavenly dwelling place, forgive their sin, ¹  and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of his motives. ²  (Indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people.) ³ 

then listen from your heavenly dwelling place, forgive their sin, ¹  and act favorably toward each one based on your evaluation of their motives. ²  (Indeed you are the only one who can correctly evaluate the motives of all people.) ³ 

now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving ¹  according to human standards. ² 

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

He commanded them: “Carry out your duties with respect for the Lord, with honesty, and with pure motives. ¹ 

A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, ²  and to those whose motives are pure! ³ 

I concluded, ¹  “Surely in vain I have kept my motives ²  pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. ³ 

David ¹  cared for them with pure motives; ²  he led them with skill. ³