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Response
Jesus’ instruction not to judge others may be one of His most frequently cited teachings, even though it is often quoted without considering its context. Here is Jesus’ statement: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” « Judge not, that ye be not judged. », (Matthew 7:1). Many individuals use this verse to try to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ message as “You do not have the authority to declare me wrong.” When taken alone, Jesus’ directive “Do not judge” may appear to prohibit all negative evaluations. However, there is more to the passage than just those three words.
The Bible’s instruction that we refrain from judging others does not imply that we cannot exercise discernment. Right after Jesus says, “Do not judge,” He adds, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” « Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. », (Matthew 7:6). Later in the same sermon, He warns, “Beware of false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15–16). How can we identify who are the “dogs,” “pigs,” and “false prophets” without the ability to make judgments about doctrines and actions? Jesus is granting us the authority to distinguish between right and wrong.
Furthermore, the Bible’s directive not to judge others does not suggest that all actions are equally moral or that truth is subjective. The Bible unequivocally teaches that truth is objective, eternal, and inseparable from God’s nature.Character. Anything that contradicts the truth is a lie—however, to label something as a “lie” is to make a judgment. Referring to adultery or murder as a sin is also a form of judgment—but it is also aligning with God. When Jesus advised against judging others, He did not imply that one cannot recognize sin for what it is, according to God’s definition of sin.
Moreover, the Bible’s instruction not to judge others does not imply that there should be no system for addressing sin. The Bible contains a whole book called Judges. The judges in the Old Testament were appointed by God Himself (Judges 2:18). The contemporary judicial system, along with its judges, is an essential component of society. By saying, “Do not judge,” Jesus was not advocating for a free-for-all.
In another instance, Jesus issues a clear directive to judge: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24). This provides insight into distinguishing between right and wrong types of judgment. By considering this verse and others, we can outline a description of sinful judgment:
Superficial judgment is inappropriate. Making judgments about someone solely based on appearances is sinful (John 7:24). It is unwise to draw conclusions without first examining the facts (Proverbs 18:13).
(Proverbs 18:13). Simon the Pharisee judged a woman based on her appearance and reputation, but failed to see that she had been forgiven; Jesus rebuked Simon for his unrighteous judgment (Luke 7:36-50).
Judging hypocritically is incorrect. Jesus’ instruction not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is prefaced by comparisons to hypocrites “Therefore when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.”, (Matthew 6:2,5, 16), and followed by a caution against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3-5). When we highlight the sins of others while committing the same sins ourselves, we condemn ourselves “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.”, (Romans 2:1).
Severe, unforgiving judgment is inappropriate. We are to “show perfect courtesy toward all people” “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”, (Titus 3:2). Those who show mercy will receive mercy “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”, (Matthew 5:7), and as Jesus cautioned, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”, (Matthew 7:2).
e, it shall be measured to you again.” , (Matthew 7:2).
Self-righteous judgment is inappropriate. We are called to humility, and “God opposes the proud” “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” , (James 4:6). In Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee was confident in his own righteousness and from that proud position judged the publican; however, God sees the heart and refused to forgive the Pharisee’s sin (Luke 18:9-14).
False judgment is wrong. The Bible clearly prohibits bearing false witness “A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” , (Proverbs 19:5). “Slander no one” “to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” , (Titus 3:2).
Christians are often accused of “judging” or intolerance when they speak out against sin. However, opposing sin is not wrong. Holding up the standard of righteousness naturally defines unrighteousness and attracts criticism from those who prefer sin over godliness. John the Baptist faced the wrath of Herodias when he denounced her adultery with Herod (Mark 6:18-19). She eventually silenced John, but she could not silence the truth “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” , (Isaiah 40:8).
Believers are cautioned against unfairly judging others orUnrighteously, but Jesus commends “right judgment” «Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.», (John 7:24, ESV). We are to be discerning (Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are to preach the whole counsel of God, including the Bible’s teaching on sin (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 4:2). We are to gently confront erring brothers or sisters in Christ «Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.», (Galatians 6:1). We are to practice church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17). We are to speak the truth in love «but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:», (Ephesians 4:15).
