An article on this topic was previously published in October 2021. When the subject came across my email the other day, I decided to expand upon it.
SCRIPTURE W/COMMENTS
“Judge not, that you be not judged. (ESV)
When we read most English translations of this verse, it would appear pretty straightforward that we are not to engage in judging others.
“Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. (AMP)
But when we put this verse in context, or use a translation that expounds the word more fully, we see it is not a cut-and-dry proposition as so many would have you believe.
Matthew 7:1 is often thrown in the face of Christians by unbelievers whenever they feel convicted by something they hear us saying. We don’t even have to be talking about them. Just quoting a bit of scripture can set them off. Yet as we will see below, it is impossible for mankind not to make daily judgments.
It is impossible for anyone, Christian or not, to go through a day without making judgments. Simple things like what clothes to wear and what food to eat are all judgments. Deciding on what college to attend, whom to date, and what house to buy are some of life’s bigger judgments.
The BIG difference between those who judge with condemnation and those who judge with righteous intent is discernment. The following two short studies should be helpful.
Judging others
God’s people are to exercise fairness and impartiality when called upon to exercise judgment in legal or church matters. However, the temptation to pass judgment upon the life or testimony of other individuals is clearly warned against.
Judging others in a legal situation – Fairness and impartiality are required by God, Dt 16:18-2.0 See also Ex 23:6-7; Lev 19:15; Dt 1:16-17; Pr 24:23; Eze 18:5-8
Judges are appointed by God 1Ki 3:28 See also Ex 18:13-16; 1Sa 7:15; 12:1-4
Jesus Christ refuses to judge others – Jn 8:3-11 See also Lk 12:13-14; Jn 7:24; 8:15-16
Judging others in the church – Judgmental attitudes condemned Mt 7:1-5 pp Lk 6:37-42 See also Ro 2:1-3; 14:1-13; Col 2:16; Jas 2:1-4; 4:11-12
A discerning attitude commended 1Co 5:12-13 See also 1Co 5:1-5; 6:1-6
Evaluation of ministries commended Mt 7:15-20 See also 2Co 11:10-15; Php 3:2
Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
8226 Discernment
The sound judgment which makes possible the distinguishing of good from evil, and the recognition of God’s right ways for his people. It is necessary for the understanding of spiritual realities and, on a practical level, for right government and the avoidance of life’s pitfalls.
8227
discernment, nature of
Discernment is given by God, through his Holy Spirit. It is received through God’s word and through the insight of a renewed mind. Discerning believers seek to grow in their understanding and knowledge of God’s truth.
Discernment as sound judgment – Judging the right course Pr 15:21; Php 1:9-10 See also Pr 3:21-23; 8:8-9; 10:21; 11:12; 18:1; 24:30; Hos 14:9
Distinguishing good from evil – 2Sa 14:17 See also Ge 3:22; Job 6:30; 34:3-4; Isa 7:15
Distinguishing holy from common – Lev 10:10; 11:47; Eze 22:26; 44:23
Seeing through outward appearances – Pr 28:11 See also 1Sa 16:7; Isa 11:3
Understanding the significance of events – Dt 32:29-30 See also 1Ch 12:32; Est 1:13; Mt 24:32-33 pp Mk 13:28-29; Lk 12:54-56
Exercising judgment to rule – 1Ki 3:9 See also Pr 8:14-16; 28:2,16; Jer 23:5
Discernment as insight into spiritual realities; Distinguishing between spirits – 1Co 12:10 See also 1Ki 22:19-23 pp 2Ch 18:18-22; 1Ti 4:1; 1Jn 4:1-3
Discerning true and false prophecy – Dt 13:1-3; 18:21-22; 1Co 14:29
Characteristics of discerning people; The discerning grow in wisdom – Pr 1:5 See also Pr 9:9; 10:14; 14:6; 15:14; 17:24; 18:15
The discerning accept rebuke – Pr 17:10; 19:25
The discerning keep God’s law – 1Ch 22:12; Ps 119:34; Pr 28:7
The source of discernment; Discernment is given by God ; Da 2:21 See also Pr 9:10; Da 2:27-28; 1Co 2:12-15
Discernment through God’s word – Heb 5:14 See also Ps 19:7; 119:98-100,130; Ro 2:18
Discernment through a renewed mind – Ro 12:2 See also Jer 31:33; 1Co 2:16
Asking for discernment – Ps 119:66 See also Ps 119:27,125; Jas 1:5
Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
OTHER RESOURCES
What does the Bible mean when it says, “Do not judge”?
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