* What does the Bible say about judging others?

What does the Bible say about judging others, considering different interpretations of passages like Matthew 7:1-5 (“Judge not, that you be not judged”) and passages that seem to call for discernment and righteous judgment within the community (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:12-13)? How do these seemingly contradictory teachings reconcile, and what practical guidelines can be derived for Christians navigating the tension between avoiding hypocritical judgment and exercising necessary discernment in their relationships and interactions with others? Specifically, I’m interested in understanding the nuance regarding judging actions versus judging motives, judging within the Christian community versus judging those outside it, and the role of humility and self-reflection in the process. What are some common misinterpretations of the biblical teachings on judging, and how can they be avoided?

Answer

The Bible addresses the topic of judging others with nuance, cautioning against certain types of judgment while also acknowledging the necessity of discernment and righteous judgment.

Prohibition of Hypocritical and Condemning Judgment:

• Matthew 7:1-5 (The Sermon on the Mount): "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." This passage is perhaps the most well-known and strongly warns against judging others hypocritically. It emphasizes self-reflection and the importance of addressing one’s own flaws before criticizing others. The imagery of the "speck" and the "plank" highlights the disproportionate focus often placed on the minor faults of others while ignoring one’s own significant shortcomings. The passage suggests that judging others with a critical spirit invites the same judgment upon oneself.
• Luke 6:37: "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." This verse echoes the sentiment of Matthew 7:1-5, linking the act of judging and condemning with the expectation of being judged and condemned in return. It promotes forgiveness and mercy as alternatives to harsh judgment.
• Romans 2:1-3: "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?" Paul rebukes those who judge others for sins they themselves commit. He emphasizes that God’s judgment is based on truth and that hypocrisy will not escape divine scrutiny.
• James 4:11-12: "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" James condemns slander and judging a brother. He argues that judging another person is equivalent to judging the law itself, overstepping one’s authority and placing oneself in the role of judge, a role that belongs to God alone.

Discernment and Righteous Judgment:

• John 7:24: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." Jesus instructs his followers to avoid superficial judgments based on outward appearances or incomplete information. Instead, he calls for judgments based on righteousness, implying a standard of truth and justice.
• 1 Corinthians 2:15: "But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one." This verse suggests that those who are spiritually mature can discern and evaluate matters correctly. However, it is often interpreted with caution, as it can be misused to justify judgmental attitudes. It’s important to note that "judges all things" refers to evaluating and understanding situations with spiritual insight, not condemning individuals.
• 1 Corinthians 5:12-13: "For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside, God judges. Therefore ‘put away from yourselves the evil person.’" Paul distinguishes between judging those within the Christian community and those outside. He argues that believers have a responsibility to address sin within the church, but that God will judge those outside. This passage highlights the need for accountability and discipline within the church, but not extending judgment to those not under its authority.
• Galatians 6:1: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted." This verse describes how to respond to a fellow believer caught in sin. The emphasis is on restoration, gentleness, and self-awareness, not condemnation. The "spiritual" are called to help the fallen brother or sister, but with humility and recognition of their own vulnerability to temptation.
• Philippians 1:9-10: "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." Paul prays that the Philippians’ love would grow in discernment, allowing them to distinguish between what is truly excellent and what is not. This implies a need for evaluative judgment based on knowledge and understanding.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." This passage encourages believers to evaluate everything they encounter and to hold on to what is good while rejecting what is evil. This requires discernment and a capacity to judge between right and wrong.
• Hebrews 5:14: "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." This verse speaks to the importance of developing discernment through practice and experience. Those who are mature in their faith are able to distinguish between good and evil.

Principles for Righteous Judgment and Discernment:

Based on these passages, principles for appropriate judgement and discernment include:

1. Humility and Self-Examination: Before judging others, examine your own life for similar or worse faults.
2. Truth and Righteousness: Base your judgments on truth and a righteous standard, not on superficial appearances or personal biases.
3. Love and Compassion: Approach others with love and a desire for their restoration, not with a spirit of condemnation.
4. Discernment, not Condemnation: Distinguish between discerning right and wrong and harshly condemning individuals.
5. Responsibility to the Community: Within a community of faith, there’s a responsibility to address sin and promote accountability, but with gentleness and restorative intentions.
6. God’s Ultimate Authority: Recognize that God is the ultimate judge, and avoid usurping his role.

In summary, the Bible prohibits hypocritical, condemning, and superficial judgment. However, it also acknowledges the necessity of discernment and righteous judgment based on truth, love, and a desire for restoration. Believers are called to examine themselves, judge their own actions, and address sin within the community responsibly, while leaving ultimate judgment to God.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before you humbly, acknowledging our tendency to judge others. We are quick to see flaws and shortcomings in those around us, forgetting the beam in our own eye.

Lord, we seek understanding from your Word, specifically concerning how you want us to interact with our brothers and sisters. Guide us to truly understand what the Bible says about judging others. Help us to remember the verses that warn against hypocritical judgment, reminding us to first examine ourselves before pointing fingers at others. Show us how your word calls us to love, to extend grace, and to offer correction with gentleness and compassion.

Grant us the discernment to differentiate between righteous discernment, which helps us protect ourselves and others from harm, and judgmental criticism, which tears down and wounds. Teach us to see others through your loving eyes, recognizing that we are all imperfect and in need of your constant mercy.

Help us to extend forgiveness as you have forgiven us. Give us the strength to refrain from condemning, and instead to offer encouragement, support, and understanding. Fill our hearts with empathy and compassion, so we can see the struggles of others and offer a helping hand instead of a critical word.

Lord, we ask for your guidance in knowing when and how to offer constructive feedback, always doing so in a spirit of love and humility, seeking to build up rather than tear down. Remind us that judgment belongs to you alone, and that our role is to love and serve one another as Christ loves us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.