A Verse Few Understand… “Judge Not”
Our theme for July is looking at the judgment and seeing it as God sees it. There are many aspects of judging, for we make judgments every day. Let’s take time to look at one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible about judging others. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Judge not that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1).
The evidence that is so misunderstood is best seen when you are discussing the Bible with another and simply restating truths which are found in it. Far too many seek to negate what you have said by accusing you of violating Jesus’ words about not judging others. While the reality is that what you said is what Jesus said, they have felt the force of what you have shown them in the Bible. They hope to end the religious discussion with these words.
To see that these words of Jesus are being misunderstood, look on the same page where they are found and note that Jesus also said, “Beware of false teachers who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). How could we beware of these false teachers without making a judgment against them? The fact that Jesus teaches us to beware of the “wolves” shows that not all judging is wrong.
On another occasion Jesus spoke about judging. “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgments” (John 7:24). The One who said do not judge also said judge! He commanded righteous judgment. His words about not judging concerns unrighteous judgment.
What kind of judging did He forbid? Look again at all that He said in the Sermon on the Mount. He describes the situation when one with many faults harshly condemns another. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own eye” (Matt. 7:3)? This is unrighteous judging.
How will God treat this kind of judging? “For with what judgment you judge you shall be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matt. 7:2). If we use the standard of sinless perfection on others, God will use that standard on us! God is full of mercy and willingly treats us this way. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Read Psalm 18:24-26 to see David’s description of this. This man of God understood our God.
So do not hesitate to deal with ungodly behavior. Keep yourself out of the discussion and use the words of the Bible in talking to others. Speak the truths of God, using the words of God. They cannot accuse you of judging when the words of judgment are the words of God!