The Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean
we cannot show discernment
Immediately 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).
How are we to discern who
are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets”
unless
we have the ability to
make a judgment call
on
doctrines and deeds?
Jesus is giving us permission to tell
right from wrong
Also, the Bible’s command that we not judge others
does not mean
all actions are equally moral
or that truth is relative.
The Bible clearly teaches that truth is objective,
eternal, and inseparable from God’s character.
Anything that contradicts
the truth is a lie—but, 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.
And the Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean there should be no mechanism for dealing with sin. The Bible has a whole book entitled Judges. The judges in the Old Testament were raised up by God Himself (Judges 2:18). The modern judicial system, including its judges, is a necessary part of society. In saying, “Do not judge,” Jesus was not saying, “Anything goes.”
Elsewhere, Jesus gives a direct command to
“Stop judging by mere appearances,
but instead
judge correctly”
(John 7:24).
Here we have a clue as to the right type of judgment versus the
wrong type
Taking this verse and some others, we can put together
a description of the sinful type of judgment:
Superficial judgment is
wrong
Passing judgment
on someone based solely on appearances
is sinful
(John 7:24).
It is foolish
to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts
(Proverbs 18:13).
Simon the Pharisee passed judgment on a woman based on her appearance and reputation, but he could not see that the woman had been forgiven;
Simon thus drew Jesus’ rebuke for his unrighteous judgment
(Luke 7:36–50).
Hypocritical judgment is wrong.
Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5). When we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves
(Romans 2:1).
Harsh, unforgiving judgment
is wrong
We are “always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2). It is the merciful who will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7), and, as Jesus warned, “
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).
Self-righteous judgment
is wrong
We are called to humility,
God opposes the proud”
(James 4:6).
In Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the
Untrue judgment
is wrong
The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness
(Proverbs 19:5).
“Slander no one”
(Titus 3:2).
Christians are often accused of “judging” or intolerance
when they speak out against sin. But opposing sin is not wrong.
Holding aloft the standard of righteousness naturally
defines unrighteousness and draws the
slings and arrows of those
who choose sin over godliness.
John the Baptist incurred the ire of Herodias when he spoke out against her adultery with Herod (Mark 6:18–19).
She eventually silenced John,
but she could not silence the truth
(Isaiah 40:8).
Believers are
warned against
judging others unfairly
or unrighteously, but
Jesus commends
“right 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
(Galatians 6:1).
We are to practice church discipline
(Matthew 18:15–17).
We are to speak the truth in love
(Ephesians 4:15).
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