On the subject of judgment, I’m sure you’ve heard -like I’ve heard- Matthew 7:1 quoted countless times (“Judge not, that ye be not judged”), often a misuse of the Word out of a fear of conviction (Jn 3:20). Personally, I’ve always despised the ‘everything’s alright’ attitude, and viewed the lack of accountability associated with it as cowardly. Of course, the hypocrisy in scolding someone for what is viewed as judgment is that the person scolding is an act of judgment. Also, forming a positive opinion -if misappropriated- is just as judgmental as forming a negative opinion (Isa 5:20-21). It can be just as damaging. Surely, hypocritical, perverse judgment and acting in fear is contrary to everything the Bible teaches us.
The Bible tells us, in fact, that this God-breathed word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Ti 3:16; Lk 6:45). Let’s be clear: Speaking God’s word, in a spirit of love, with the purpose of teaching rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness is not judgment on the part of the one speaking. If there be any judgment made after the Word is spoken, then it’s by the Word, not the person speajking the Word. The individual chooses to make biblical scripture either a cornerstone or stumbling block (1 Pe 2:7-8).
Understanding leads to discernment, which is a form of judgment.
understand - (trans. v.) 1.a. to grasp the meaning of b. to be thoroughly familiar with the character and the propensities of 2. to accept as a fact or truth or to regard as plausible without utter certainty
discern - (v.) to separate, distinguish between (trans. v.) 2. to recognize or identify as separate and distinct; discriminate <discern right from wrong> : to see or understand the difference
judge – (trans. v.) 1. to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing premises 2. to sit in judgment on; try 4. govern, rule – used of a Hebrew tribal leader 5. to form an estimate or evaluation of; especially to form a negative opinion about 8. to hold as an opinion
We see in scripture that God wants us to have understanding and discernment (1Jn 4:1). God places the importance of godly wisdom and understanding so high that we’re to obtain it, even if it costs us everything! (Pr 4:7; 3:5-6; 2:6) Solomon was commended and rewarded for asking for a discerning heart for the purpose of leading God’s people correctly (1Ki 3:9-15; Kings, leaders, and judges are synonymous. In this context of leadership -which all Christians are, in one way or another- the first, second, and fourth definitions of the word ‘judge’ apply.) The entire book of Proverbs is basically God’s plea to the individual to gain knowledge, understanding, discernment, wisdom, and good judgment (Pr 1:5; 8:9; 10:13; 14:6). It’s for us to understand what’s right, just and fair (Pr 2:9; Ro 12:2). Without it, there is no sanctification for the believer, hope for the sinner, or glorification to our Master. Without this understanding how can we be good stewards over the things God has entrusted to us: jobs, children, money, and our very lives? Jesus even gives us one basis for excommunication in Matthew 18:15-20, which is , no doubt, be an act of judgement. How can we be the light to a dying world if we don’t distinguish right from wrong as scripture itself does?
So, what does it mean when Jesus tells us not to judge? Verse 1 in Matthew chapter seven is the first in a lesson by Jesus on judgment that numbers to verse 6. Unfortunately though, verse 1 is often used out of context, so the meaning is lost. He goes on to explain that one can’t judge properly, wisely, or fairly if they are judging hypocritically. You know? Get right, so you can see right. True indeed, no one's perfect, but a repentant, spiritually mature individual who has a heart to do things God’s way (according to the Word) is equipped to make sound judgment.
(Suggested reading: ‘Is It Right to Judge?’ by: James L. Melton at www.biblebelievers.com/jmelton/Judging.html)
