What does the Bible mean when it says, “Do not judge”? | GotQuestions.org

The Question of What “Do Not Judge” Means

Today's question is, what does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. And afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

Jesus' command not to judge others could be the most widely quoted of His sayings, even though it is almost invariably quoted in complete disregard of its context. Here is Jesus' statement, "'Do not judge, or you too will be judged'.

Matthew 7, verse 1. Many people use this verse in an attempt to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus' meaning as, "'You don't have the right to tell me I'm wrong.'". Taken in isolation, Jesus' command, "'Do not judge," does indeed seem to preclude all negative assessments.

Discernment, Truth, and the Difference Between Right and Wrong

However, there is much more to the passage than those three words. 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, verse 6. A little later in the same sermon, He says, "'Watch out for false prophets. By their fruit you will recognize them.'". Verses 15 and 16. How are we to discern who are the dogs, the pigs, and the false prophets, unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrine 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 is 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. 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 judge. Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead, judge correctly, John 7, verse 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 sinful types.

Of judgment.

Types of Sinful Judgment

Superficial judgment is wrong. Passing judgment on someone based solely on appearances is sinful. It is foolish to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts. 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 knew Jesus' rebuke for his unrighteous judgment. Hypocritical judgment is wrong. Jesus' command not to judge others in Matthew 7, verse 1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites in Matthew 6, verses 2, 5, and 16, and followed by a warning against hypocrisy in Matthew 7, verses 3–5.

When we point out the sin of others, while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves. Harsh, unforgiving judgment is wrong. We are always to be gentle towards everyone, Titus 3, verse 2. It is the merciful who will be shown mercy.

And as Jesus warned, 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, verse 2. Self-righteous judgment is wrong. We are called to humility, and God opposes the proud, James 4, verse 6.

The Pharisee, in Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, was confident in his own righteousness, and from that proud position judged the publican. However, God sees the heart and refused to forgive the Pharisee's sin, as mentioned in Luke 18, verses 9–14.

Untrue judgment is wrong. The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness. Slander no one, Titus 3, verse 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 Mark 6, verses 18–19.

She eventually silenced John, but she could not silence the truth. Believers are warned against judging others unfairly or unrighteously, but Jesus commends right judgment. John 7, verse 24. We are to be discerning.

We are to preach the whole counsel of God, including the Bible's teaching on sin. We are to gently confront erring brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to practice church discipline. We are to speak the truth in love.

Closing Resources and Sign-Off

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