By Robert Hitchman
“Don’t judge me!” “Who are you to judge me?” “Are you judging me?” “Only God can judge me!” How often in this politically correct world do we hear words to this effect. Far too often, unfortunately. And many who use phrases such as these, including unbelievers, will try to use scripture to justify themselves. Scriptures like, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Matthew 7:1. Or “Judge not, and you shall not be judged.” Luke 6:37. In both instances, that was Jesus speaking. But did He really mean we’re not supposed to judge anyone? Let’s take a deeper look. Remember, the Bible says to “study to show yourselves approved unto God.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The Greek word translated judge in these two scriptures is krino. This word has many different meanings, both positive and negative. Too many to go into all of them right now. Here’s just a few:
- To pronounce an opinion concerning right or wrong.
- To be of opinion.
- To pronounce judgement.
- To approve.
- To determine, resolve or decree.
JESUS, OUR TEACHER
I submit to you that Jesus wasn’t saying for us not to judge at all. I believe He was saying there were certain types of judging we’re to avoid. How can I say that you ask? Good question. If you read the whole verse in Luke 6:37, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:” (italics mine)
You see He was talking about a condemning, looking down your nose, condescending type of judgement. That type of judgement is not walking in love. You see He wasn’t saying not to judge at all, let’s look at Matthew 7 again.
“1Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why behold the mote in your brother’s eye, but consider not the beam in your own eye? 4Or how say to your brother, let me pull the mote out of your eye; and, behold, a beam is in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first cast out the beam in your own eye; and then you will see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5
Look closely at verse five. Notice He didn’t stop after telling us to cast the beam out of our own eye. Once we do that, we’re supposed to cast the mote from our brother’s eye. In other words, the way I see it, judge them. What else would you call it? By mote, we have to believe Jesus is referring to character flaws or faults. To cast them out, we have to see them. In doing so, we’re definitely judging someone. And that’s how we grow. Obviously, the best case scenario is to judge ourselves, but we don’t always see our own flaws and faults. That’s why we need each other. A mature, secure person welcomes judgement from others. In the secular world, we usually call it “constructive criticism”. I know as an athlete, I appreciate an honest assessment of my game from coaches or other players. Then I know what to work on and can improve my game. It’s the same way in life.
IS JUDGEMENT ALWAYS NEGATIVE?
Some people seem to think you’re judging only when you’re saying something negative about someone. I think the reason for this is because the world seems to be going in a negative flow. I’ll give you an analogy. People will quote stats and say you don’t want to become a stat. One I used to hear often was, “50% of all marriages end in divorce.” (I don’t know if that’s still true but I’m just using it as an example.) When they say don’t become a stat, they’re just looking at one side. Well, it stands to reason, if 50% of marriages end in divorce, that means 50% don’t! That’s a stat too. I’d like to be that stat. Just think about that the next time someone tells you don’t want to be a stat.
Without taking sides, let me give you an example from politics. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. If you’re an American and you voted in 2024, you voted for one of them. Think for a moment about the one you didn’t vote for. Chances are you have some strong feelings about them. Mostly negative. You don’t like their policies, party, or character. In essence, you judged them. Which you have every right to do. Now, think about the one you did vote for. You may also have some strong feelings about them, mostly positive. (Disclaimer-I do realize that in this political landscape, many people aren’t always voting for someone but, rather, against someone. Just bear with me for this example.) Well, you’re judging them as well. Look back at the first definition of the Greek word for judge in the bullet points. To pronounce an opinion concerning right or wrong.
We do this every day. Think about some bosses, managers, or supervisors you’ve had over the years. I’m sure you’ve had some, in your opinion, good ones and some bad ones. I’m also sure you’ve had some co-workers with the same experience, training, and similar time on the job as you and had the exact opposite opinion of them you had. But, good or bad, it’s still judging.
A POSITIVE EXAMPLE OF JUDGING
If you’ve been seriously serving the Lord any length of time I’m sure you’ve heard statements such as:
- If this nation doesn’t turn around, God’s judgment will fall on us.
- If you don’t repent, God will judge you, and you don’t want that.
- The reason that church (or family or business) failed is because they didn’t repent and God judged them.
WHEN IS JUDGEMENT WRONG?
To show you when it becomes a problem, let’s go back to the words of Jesus.
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24
Here we clearly see Jesus is not telling us not to judge, but to judge righteously. I believe that’s where we get the expression, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Again, you do judge a book, just not by its cover. The NIV of this scripture says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” Check out the amplified classic: “Be honest in your judgement and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously.” I think it’s pretty clear we are to judge, it’s how we judge, that is the issue.
JUDGEMENT HAPPENS DAILY
Have you ever woken up late, rushed to get dressed, and then when you got to work, heard this sarcastic remark, “Get dressed in the dark?” Or someone comes in inappropriately dressed for the office and then someone says, “Where did she get that dress?” Let’s face it, judgement is a part of life. What do you think a job interview is? You present your resume, come appropriately dressed, and then you answer questions on why you think you’re right for the job. The interviewer is judging you. Judging your experience, training, qualifications, but mostly your character. Judging you on whether you’re right for the job. That’s just how life is.
When I say we are to judge, that doesn’t necessarily mean we need to do it publicly. Don’t go into the office tomorrow and just start telling people their faults, even if you’re correct. You have to know whose life you can speak into and whose you can’t. You have to have a relationship with someone to do that. If you came to the Lord as an adult, think about who was instrumental about it. They may have talked to you about some of your faults but did it in a loving way. The main thing is the two of you probably have a relationship.
JUDGEMENT STARTS AT HOME
Here’s another Bible reason why we are to judge. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-32, communion instructions if you will, we’re given more details on judging. In the 28th verse we’re told, “Let a man examine himself.” Why? In the 31st and 32nd verse we’re given the reasons pertaining to judgement. If we judge ourselves, we should not be judged. And here’s the best part. When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. That’s good news. I do realize that even when we judge ourselves, the world may condemn us anyway. Well we shouldn’t be overly concerned with what the world thinks of us. Our main focus should be on pleasing the Lord.
JUDGE GOD?
Believe it or not, as believers, we judge God almost every day. And we’re supposed to do it. Let’s face it, whenever you tithe or give offerings, you’re judging God. You’re judging Him faithful that He will open the windows of heaven, and make sure men will give to you. (Malachi 3:10 Luke 6:38) Conversely, believers who don’t tithe or give offerings, are judging Him unfaithful. They’re saying by their actions they don’t believe He will do what He says He will. So, whenever we say things like “God is faithful”, we’re judging Him. Whenever we act in faith on His promises, we’re judging Him because we believe that He is faithful Who has promised. The Bible clearly says, “Through faith Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she JUDGED Him faithful who had promised.” Hebrew 11:11 So I think it’s pretty clear that we are to judge but we must judge correctly.
WHY WE JUDGE
One other thing before I close. While I’m sure there are many reasons to judge, I believe these are some of the most important ones:
- It gives us an idea how to witness or minister to people.
- It lets us know who we are to socialize with and who not to.
- How close we let people into our lives.
- Who we allow around our children.
So again, I believe in Matthew 7 Jesus isn’t telling us not to judge, but how to judge. Therefore, remember, we are to judge but we’re to do it correctly. And by correctly, I mean by the Word, righteously, lovingly, and not condemningly. The thing about it is when you do it correctly, in love, and not condemningly, people will judge you. Even if you do it perfectly. They will criticize you for doing to them what they’re doing to you. So don’t get into an argument with them, just love them anyway. Selah.