In modern times, many people misunderstand the biblical concept of judgment, often quoting Jesus’ words, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) as a blanket statement against any form of judgment. However, this interpretation misses the deeper biblical context. The Bible does not say “don’t judge” entirely, but rather, it emphasizes the need to judge in a righteous and fair manner.

Just as a judge in a courtroom must be trained and guided by law, so too must believers seek wisdom and discernment to judge in line with God’s standards. Judgment is an integral part of life, but it must be rooted in humility, righteousness, and justice.

1. The Call for Righteous Judgment

While Matthew 7:1 is often cited to discourage judgment, Jesus’ teaching in the same chapter provides essential clarification. In Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, not judgment itself. He instructs believers to first “remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).

This passage underscores the need for self-examination before we assess others. It does not prohibit judgment, but rather commands us to judge ourselves first to avoid hypocrisy. Judgment must come from a place of humility, recognizing our own faults before addressing the faults of others.

Moreover, in John 7:24, Jesus says, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Here, He explicitly commands His followers to judge, but to do so in a manner that reflects God’s truth and justice, not based on superficial or unjust criteria. Jesus’ teachings invite us to exercise discernment and righteousness in our judgments.

2. The Role of Law in Judging

The role of law, both divine and human, plays an essential part in judgment. In the Old Testament, the law was given to guide the people of Israel in righteousness. Judges were appointed to ensure that justice was upheld according to God’s commandments. Deuteronomy 16:18-20 instructs the people, “Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes… and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

This instruction highlights the importance of judging according to God’s standards of justice, not personal biases or opinions. Similarly, in the New Testament, Christians are called to uphold the principles of God’s law, discerning right from wrong. If you want to be a judge, you need to understand and apply the law correctly. In the same way, believers are to judge by knowing God’s Word and applying it faithfully.

3. Biblical Judging vs. Condemnation

A key distinction must be made between righteous judgment and condemnation. While we are called to discern right and wrong, only God has the authority to condemn. Romans 14:10-13 warns against despising or passing final judgment on others, saying, “Why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

Judging with fairness and mercy reflects the character of God, but condemnation steps into territory reserved for God alone. James 4:12 states, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

While believers are called to make discerning judgments about behavior, lifestyle, and morality, we must refrain from taking on the role of ultimate judge, which belongs solely to God.

4. Judging Within the Church

The Bible also speaks to the necessity of judgment within the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses an immoral situation within the church and calls the community to judge it rightly. He says, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).

This passage shows that judgment within the church is not only permissible but necessary to maintain holiness and righteousness among believers. However, it must be done according to God’s standards and with the aim of restoration, not condemnation.

In 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Paul goes further, saying, “Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” Here, Paul reinforces the idea that judgment is part of the Christian’s role, but it requires spiritual maturity and adherence to God’s wisdom.

5. Mercy and Justice Hand-in-Hand

Righteous judgment is always tempered by mercy. In Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Justice and mercy go hand in hand; you cannot judge righteously without embodying God’s compassion and grace.

James 2:13 reminds us, “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” This is a sobering reminder that when we judge, we must do so with compassion, seeking to restore rather than to destroy. We are called to be reflections of God’s justice, but also His great mercy.

6. Learning How to Judge: Grounded in the Word

Just as aspiring judges go to law school to learn the intricacies of the legal system, Christians must immerse themselves in God’s Word to discern His ways of judgment. Proverbs 2:6-9 says, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding… Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.”

Spending time in scripture and prayer equips believers with the wisdom needed to judge rightly. It is through the study of God’s law, character, and heart that we learn how to apply His standards of righteousness in our own judgments.

Conclusion

The Bible does not command us to abandon judgment altogether. Rather, it calls us to judge righteously, humbly, and in accordance with God’s standards. Hypocritical or self-righteous judgment is condemned, but discerning judgment that seeks to uphold truth and justice is a biblical mandate.

Just as a judge must be well-versed in the law to rule fairly, Christians must be rooted in God’s Word to judge in a manner that reflects His righteousness. In all things, our judgments must be tempered by mercy, humility, and a desire to see others restored to righteousness. Let us, therefore, judge in the way God commands—with wisdom, love, and justice.