We have all heard the verse “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.” (Matthew 7:1). This verse is often used as an argument to support the notion that we are not supposed to judge others. Being called judgmental is most likely an insult. If we formulate an opinion about something or someone’s behavior, we are often thought of as a hypocrite. Let’s face it; most of us have done things in our past that we are not proud of, but, hopefully, we have learned from those mistakes. When we learn from our experiences, we gain a new wisdom and understanding. Therefore, I pose this question; doesn’t this new wisdom and understanding help us to discern things from a more educated perspective? Does this not allow us to judge in a fair and impartial manner? Are we really not supposed to judge?
My answer to that question is this. We can and should judge. The judgment is not the issue. The issue is the attitude from which one is judging. If we have not learned from our own mistakes, we have no right to judge other people’s bad behavior. That becomes the type of hypocritical judgment that is frowned upon in scripture. Paul teaches about this in Romans 2:1, “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, passing judgment; for when you judge someone else, you are passing judgment against yourself; since you who are judging do the same things he does.” If we have not taken the time to do some self-reflection and if we have not dealt with the problems that exist in our own lives, we are not able to see things very clearly. We have no wisdom with which to judge and, most likely, if we are passing judgment on someone else under these circumstances, we are not coming from a place of knowledge, love, or concern. This type of judgment only serves to either tear someone down, or it serves as a futile attempt to build ourselves up, either consciously or unconsciously.
Judgment is valid only when we can speak from a place of humility and wisdom. When we have dealt with our own issues, learned from our mistakes and amended bad or destructive behavior, can we offer a judgment that is substantive. Only when we have repented of our own sins, can we truly offer a judgment that is productive. That is what Yeshua (Jesus) meant when he said, “First, take the log out of your own eye; then you will see clearly so that you can remove the splinter from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
A judgment that is honorable is meant for edification and gentle correction. Judgment based on that which is righteous is worthy to be expressed. A judgment that is formulated from the wisdom one has gained through real introspection and repentance of mistakes is not hypocritical. Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, suppose someone is caught doing something wrong. You who have the Spirit should set him right, but in a spirit of humility, keeping an eye on yourselves so that you won’t be tempted too.” In other words, as long as you are coming from a constructive place of humility, not only can you judge, but it is your duty to judge. For example, if you are a recovering alcoholic who lost his license because you were drunk driving, isn’t it your obligation to judge your 18-year-old son if you catch him coming home drunk after he had been driving? If you have learned from your own mistakes, you absolutely have the authority and obligation to judge your child. You are not a hypocrite unless you are still engaging in the behavior yourself and you think it is ok for you to do, but not ok for your son. Wrong is wrong and we are allowed to judge what is wrong.
To recap; judging is not the problem. We are constantly judging. We judge what food we eat, based on whether or not we care to be healthy. We judge whom we allow into our lives as friends and confidants. We judge the activities in which we participate, based on our interests. We judge which causes we champion, based on our morals, values, and beliefs. We also judge others, either by their character or behavior, because we need to know with whom we are interacting. A judgment that comes from arrogance is not righteous. A judgment that is meant to make another feel inferior is malicious. A judgment that is meant to build oneself up at the expense of another is weak. A judgment that is based on ignorance is ineffective. However, righteous judgment comes from a place of humble wisdom. This is discernment. A judgment that comes from a heart of concern is speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). A judgment that edifies and builds others up is noble. Do not be afraid to judge. Let’s put it this way, if you are taking the time to think about whether you should be judging, then you are probably coming from good intentions. Someone who has never repented or who has never done any meaningful introspection is usually the type to judge from a place of malice rather than love. If someone accuses you of being judgmental, do not get upset. Take a pause, examine where your heart is, and if it is in the right place, do not hesitate to judge. It may be your duty to do so. God bless!
