Everyone knows the Bible verse “judge not, that you be not judged”. When judging others caught in sin, the sinner will use it to deflect fault. However, Jesus taught us to judge others, circumstances, and truth. Discernment and wisdom are gifts from God and a spiritual ability of mature Christians.
Both believers and nonbelievers will often misuse and misquote Jesus’ command not to judge others. They misquote it with no regard to context or the rest of scriptures. Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged“ (Matthew 7:1). People will use this to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ words as, “You have no right to criticize me.” Yet, when examined honestly and thoroughly, this passage is saying much more than “don’t judge me”.
Taken Out of Context
When taken out of context, the command “Do not judge” does seem to mean we’re not supposed to judge others or we will be judged. But, there is much more to the verse than the words “do not judge or you will be judged”. Let’s remember that the Bible didn’t have chapters and verses originally, it was added later them during translation to English. To understand the meaning of some verses, you must read (in context) what comes before and after the verse in question.
God Tells Us to Judge
Right after Jesus says, “Do not judge,” He says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6). A little later in the same sermon, He says, “Watch out for false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15–16). You cannot discern who are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets” unless we can judge others on their doctrines and deeds? Jesus gives believers authority to tell right from wrong.
When I was around 12 years old, I began to ask God for the gift of discernment, to tell right from wrong and truth from error. In my life, He has given me discernment and shown me many things along the way. I asked and received (Psalms 37:4, James 1:5).
Jesus Teaches Us How to Judge
The Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean all actions are morally equal, or that truth is relative to a people or circumstance. Truth is universally the same for all of us. The Bible clearly teaches that truth is impartial, eternal, and inseparable from God’s character. Jesus is the truth. You do not have godly love without truth (John 14:6, 1 John 3:18).
Anything that contradicts the truth is a lie. Of course, to call something a “lie” is to pass judgment. To call adultery or murder a sin is likewise to pass judgment—but it’s also to agree with God. When Jesus said not to judge others, He did not mean that no one can identify sin for what it is based on God’s definition of sin.
If the bible commands us to not judge others, then we would have no way to deal with sin. Yet, the bible commands us to rebuke sin, (1 Timothy 5:20). In the book of Judges, God raised up judges to discipline the Israelites. (Judges 2:18). While Christians are created to be judges, we are to do it wisely. Beware of judging others in a way not pleasing to God:
Hypocritical Judgment
Jesus commands us not to judge others in (Mathew 7:1) but it comes right after comparisons to hypocrites in (Matthew 6:2, 6:5, 6:16). Matthew 7:1 do not judge when read in context is a warning against hypocritical judgement (Matthew 7:3-5). When rebuking or accusing someone else of sin and you yourself commit the same sin, you condemn yourself (Romans 2:1).
Shallow Judgment
Judging someone only by their appearance is a sin (John 7:24). Jumping to conclusions without knowing all the facts is foolishness (Proverbs 18:13). In (Luke 7:36-50) a man was passing judgment on a woman based on her appearance and her past, but he failed to see her love and repentance toward Jesus. Jesus rebuked that man for his unrighteous judgment.
Irate or Unforgiving Judgment
We are always to forgive even those that trespass against us (Matthew 6:15). “Be angry but sin not” (Ephesians 4:26). Restoring them may depend upon their repentance (Matthew 18:15-17). Christians are “always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2). If you are merciful, God will show you mercy (Matthew 5:7). Before we judge another, remember Jesus’ warning, “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). “God opposes the proud”, those confident in their own righteousness (James 4:6). God knows everyone’s heart (Luke 16:15).
Judging With Lies
I know what it means to be cheated, falsely accused, and by those that claim they love me. Many faithful have suffered the same. Truth is, those accusers do not know what godly love is. (1 John 3:18) says love is both actions and truth. When we lyingly accuse another; we are sinning against both God and the person(s) you falsely accuse. The Bible clearly forbids bearing lying witness (Proverbs 19:5). “Abuse or slander no one” (Titus 3:2).
Stand For the Righteousness of God
Believers will be accused of being uncompromising or unyielding when we judge or speak against sin. We must be immovable in our faith. Standing against sin is not wrong, it is right. Christians are to live out and uphold the moral standards given to us by God. We are contending for the faith when we uphold His standard of righteousness (Jude 1:3). When we walk and talk righteously, it naturally defines unrighteousness. This will bring out the haters. However, believers are the light shining into a dead and dark world, and the darkness hates the light (John 3:20). Those who walk in darkness will not welcome or love the light. Light up the Darkness!
We are not to judge unfairly or unrighteously. Christians are to use righteous judgments in our lives and toward those under our influence (John 7:24). We are told to ask God for the spirit of discernment and wisdom to judge correctly (James 1:5). Pray for wisdom to carry out His righteousness (Colossians 1:9). “In season or out of season be ready to rebuke and encourage one another with long suffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).