What does the phrase “judge not” mean?

The phrase “judge not” is often quoted from the Bible, specifically from the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. However, its interpretation and application need careful examination. The Bible provides a comprehensive teaching on the nature of judgment, differentiating between hypocritical judgment and righteous judgment. This study explores what “judge not” means in its biblical context, the necessity of avoiding hypocritical judgment, the call for righteous judgment, and the process of restoring a sinner, using New King James Version (NKJV) references.

Understanding “Judge Not”

Matthew 7:1-5 (NKJV)

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

In this passage, Jesus warns against judging others hypocritically. The phrase “judge not” is not a blanket prohibition against all forms of judgment but rather a caution against a specific type of judgment – hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. Jesus emphasizes that the standard we use to judge others will be the standard applied to us.

Hypocritical Judgment

Hypocritical judgment involves condemning others while ignoring one’s own faults and sins. This type of judgment is characterized by a lack of self-awareness and humility.

Romans 2:1-3 (NKJV)

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?”

Paul addresses the hypocrisy of judging others while committing the same sins. He highlights the inconsistency and self-condemnation involved in such behavior.

James 4:11-12 (NKJV)

“Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

James echoes the warning against speaking evil and judging others hypocritically. He emphasizes that judgment belongs to God, the ultimate Lawgiver.

“Judge with Righteous Judgment”

While the Bible warns against hypocritical judgment, it also calls for righteous judgment, which is discerning and aligns with God’s truth.

John 7:24 (NKJV)

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

Jesus instructs His followers to judge righteously, not based on superficial appearances but with discernment and fairness. Righteous judgment seeks to align with God’s standards and truth.

1 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV)

“But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.”

Paul teaches that a spiritual person discerns all things with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Righteous judgment is informed by spiritual insight and understanding and with God’s Word and standard.

Restoring the Sinner

The process of restoring a sinner involves righteous judgment and a loving, redemptive approach. The goal is not condemnation but restoration and reconciliation.

Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV)

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community of believers. It involves a private confrontation, followed by bringing witnesses, and if necessary, involving the church. The goal is to win back the sinning brother, emphasizing restoration over punishment.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NKJV)

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Paul encourages believers to restore those caught in sin with gentleness and humility. This approach contrasts with harsh judgment and seeks to support and uplift the fallen.

Balancing Judgment with Love

Judgment in the biblical sense is not about harsh criticism or condemnation but about loving correction and guidance. It requires a balance of truth and love.

Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)

“But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ.”

Paul advocates for speaking the truth in love, aiming for growth and maturity in Christ. This balance ensures that judgment is constructive and redemptive.

James 5:19-20 (NKJV)

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

James highlights the importance of turning a sinner back to the truth, emphasizing the salvific and restorative nature of such actions.

The Role of Self-Examination

Before engaging in any form of judgment, believers are called to examine themselves. This self-examination prevents hypocrisy and promotes humility.

1 Corinthians 11:28-31 (NKJV)

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.”

Paul urges believers to examine themselves to avoid bringing judgment upon themselves. Self-examination helps maintain purity and sincerity in one’s actions and judgments.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified.”

Self-examination ensures that believers are living in accordance with their faith and the indwelling presence of Christ.

Avoiding Judgmental Attitudes

A judgmental attitude can be destructive and divisive within the Christian community. Believers are encouraged to foster an attitude of grace and understanding.

Romans 14:10-13 (NKJV)

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

Paul emphasizes the futility of judging one another harshly, reminding believers that everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Instead of judging, believers should focus on not causing others to stumble.

Conclusion

The phrase “judge not” in the Bible, particularly in Matthew 7:1-5, is a caution against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. Jesus teaches that the standard we use to judge others will be the standard applied to us. The Bible further clarifies that while we should avoid hypocritical judgment, there is a place for righteous judgment, which is discerning, fair, and aligned with God’s truth.

Righteous judgment involves addressing sin within the community of believers in a spirit of love and restoration. The process outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-2 emphasizes the importance of gentle and humble correction aimed at restoring the sinner. Additionally, believers are called to balance judgment with love, speak the truth in love, and practice self-examination to avoid hypocrisy.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that judgment should be constructive, redemptive, and carried out with a spirit of humility and grace. By understanding and applying these principles, believers can foster a community that upholds truth while embodying the love and compassion of Christ.