Is it wrong to judge?

Question

Is it possible to live life and not make any judgments?

What do you believe the Bible teaches about this subject that gets thrown around by believers as well as non-believers.

Please include Scripture so I can see it's Bible and not opinion.

Answer 1

1 Corinthians 2:15 (KJV)

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.



John 7:24 (KJV)

24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.



1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Answer 2

We make judgments everyday, this is beneficial and if nothing else it helps us to learn lessons, some messes are easier to clean up than others. If someone or a bunch of guys invites you to a wild party but you just happen to be studying for the priesthood, you have to make a judgment call as a to what is more important. Peer pressure is always interesting, and it is never missing from the equation where judgement is concern. I mean it does not affect everyone the same. Take the guy who became an overnight hero to the masses for going to a prom and being expelled, instead of following by-laws oAcclimatesof paper. I just think everyone has to make judgment call. Whether it is getting a new job or living closer to family, doing homework, everyone has to make judgment calls.



Ecclesiastes 12



13 Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the whole duty of man.



14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,

including every hidden thing,

whether it is good or evil.

Answer 3

I don't have any scripture here but I thought I should clarify between some different meanings of judge.



The verb definition of judge is 'to form a judgment or opinion of; decide upon critically'



So, if you are speaking of the former part, it is a human essential to judge and we can't pass through life without evaluating people. The morality depends on how soon those judgements are made and whether they can change with time.



If the latter is chosen, there is of course a negative connotation but a lot of people can be inwardly judgmental and still be good people and do great things.

Answer 4

You ask a very good question. The dilemma is that the word "judge" has many definitions. If you're referring to Jesus' words at Matthew 7:1-5, the judging that Jesus is talking about is an overly critical, excessive and unfair judgment of others. That is different than the judgments that we must make every day to make sure that we are doing what is right. For instance, we have to "judge" or assess many situations and circumstances each and every day. That kind of judging is necessary for us to make proper decisions. But to be judging critically our fellow brothers and sisters, when we ourselves are just as imperfect as they are, is what is not approved of. We also must not "judge" others as unworthy of being recipients of God's blessings, now or forever in the future. The reason that Jesus counsels us in this manner is because none of us can read another person's heart. We just do not know what really is inside of others. People that seem to be the nicest outwardly can be the worst inside and vice versa. That is why God told Samuel at 1 Samuel 16:7, to not judge the quality of a person from an outward appearance because that is deceptive. 'Not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for God, he sees what the heart is.'



So, we just cannot know what is in a person's heart and thus we are unworthy and unqualified to make a judgment about the character of others. That is why Jesus condemned the overly critical attitude that the Pharisees were displaying back then. By contrast, he showed by word and deed, the acceptable way that we should treat others. He went on further to say in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) at Matthew 7:12: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.” Clearly then, Jesus instructs us as to how we should treat others ---- the exact same way that we ourselves would like to be treated.



So, I hope this helps. Yes we have to assess or make judgments and decisions each day, yet at the same time, we must be careful not to be including in our assessments any overly critical judgments of others. Otherwise, we will be adversely judged by the Almighty himself and that is definitely not what we want. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

There will always be judgments to make. "you look beautiful today" is a judgment.

Calling someone out for being a pedophile is judging.



I make judgments when I believe that someone or something is hurting another or will harm. I do so because I think in doing so, I am being the person I think God wants me to be.

We do not know the answers with any certainty. But we have to help and watch out for the rest of our fellow man, and do what you know in your heart is true.

Judge not, lest ye be judged. If you are willing to judge, expect to be judged back.

peace

Answer 6

Matthew 7:1 Says that we're not to judge (and here's where a lot of people just end it, but it continues...) lest we be judged.



No, we don't judge people as in condemn them and pass a judgment call upon them. God is the just Judge. We do judge, however, in making assessments and such. The Bible also says (and forgive me for forgetting the reference) that by "their fruits" we'll know a person. We can tell a lot about a person by the way they act or talk. In that way, we make a judgment. But again, we aren't condemning people.

Answer 7

There are those who will hide behind that verse that says do not judge even though the person was not judging wrongly at all, and we've seen this in here. the ungodly will use this as an excuse to do whatever they like, and if someone says they don't agree with them, they get angry and call them a bigot.



We have to rightly divide the word of truth. When Jesus said "Do not judge," he was not using that as an escape goat for all those who want to continue in their sins of course.



We have to judge between right and wrong for ourselves so that we don't fall into the same death trap as many around us who have no morals or love for God.



The Bible says:

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man.

I Corinthians 2:14-15



So when we appraise things, there are those who will say we are bigoted or that we are judgmental, or that we are crazy, etc. but they are unable to understand these things and we must judge between right and wrong in order to keep from getting caught in the same snares as they are in.

Answer 8

It is impossible to go through life without making judgments. As beings with a thought process and with a cognition, our minds work by defining our surroundings as they are perceived through the senses, and this includes human actions and behaviors. Because we also have emotions, it is impossible for our emotions not to affect our filters of definition and it is impossible for our filters of definition not to affect our emotions. So, while Biblical scriptures warn against judging, what they mean is the more specific act of essentially putting oneself in the place of God (referring to the God defined in the Bible more or less).

Answer 9

Judge or condemn?



Luke

Chapter 12



1

1 Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. He began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees.

2

2 "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.

3

Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

4

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.....









http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/luke/luke12.htm





One of the Greatest Loves you can do for a "Lost" Brother or Sister is to try to get them to see condition of Sin and their Need of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of Sins and reconciliation to God.



Jesus didn't tell us to be quiet:



Luke

Chapter 12

8

I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.

9

But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.



http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/luke/luke12.htm

Ephesians

Chapter 5



10

Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

11

Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them,

12

for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret;

13

but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

14

for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." 3

15

4 Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise,

16

making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil.

17

Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.



http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/ephesians/ephesians5.htm



We are to try to help save the Lost Souls:

James

Chapter 5



13

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise.

14

Is anyone among you sick? 6 He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord,

15

and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. 7

16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.

17

Elijah was a human being like us; yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain upon the land.

18

Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the earth produced its fruit.

19

My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back,

20

he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.



http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/james/james5.htm

Answer 10

Moses assigned judges as requested by his father in law, Jethro.



Moses did not enter the promised land and there is no exceptions to those who judge on the benches today.



See if you can obsorb John 5:45.



Jesus reveals to you that you should not judge in Luke 6:37.

Answer 11

Not unless you want to be judged. Jehovah God is the only true Judge. For Jesus said in Mathew:

Mat 7:1 “Stop judging that YOU may not be judged; 2 for with what judgment YOU are judging, YOU will be judged; and with the measure that YOU are measuring out, they will measure out to YOU

Answer 12

We are not to condemn, but we are to discern. God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. We do not.



1 Corinthians 2:15 KJV But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.



John 7:24 KJV Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.



Matthew 7:1-3 KJV Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?



Hebrews 4:12 KJV For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.



Luke 12:56-57 KJV Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? (57) Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Answer 13

It's a matter of context. We need to make all kinds of judgments and use discernment in order to survive and prosper.



What we ought not do is judge hastily, and to judge others using standards by which we're not willing to judge ourselves.



I'm walking down the street, late at night. I see a guy who's wearing torn clothes, studded dog collar, has tons of tattoos and piercings, and is scowling fiercely. Even though I'm pre-judging (being prejudiced) based only on appearance, I'm still going to cross the street to avoid him.



I'm at a party at your house. I see a guy who's wearing torn clothes, studded dog collar, has tons of tattoos and piercings, and is scowling fiercely. You say, "Come meet my friend Fred, he's a great guy." If I still refuse to approach this guy based solely on his appearance, I'm being a bigoted jerk.



In terms of the scripture, when it tells you not to judge, think in terms of Jesus stopping the stoning of the adulteress. "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." Don't judge others on their spiritual beliefs, if you don't want to have your own beliefs adjudged "evil". Mathew 7:12 also covers this. Judge people based on their actions. Anything else, you leave to higher authorities. In other words, if someone tells you they are an atheist, don't judge them evil (just as atheists ought not judge you stupid, just for your beliefs). Judge people by how they act. If they act in a moral manner, chances are they are a moral person, regardless of their belief system.

Answer 14

It is impossible to not judge someone, it's said that within 15 seconds of meeting someone we have already judged them on their appearance alone.



People love to through around the verse that says: Judge not, that ye be not judged, for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure you mete it, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1 (KJV)



As a Latter Day Saint, I believe how it was originally stated by the savior is more clear on judging (Matthew 7:1 was corrected by Joseph Smith, The Prophet)



Joseph Smiths' Translation (Matthew 7:1-3) "Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people. Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged: but judge righteous judgments. for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure you mete it, it shall be measured to you again."



Notice how Christ tells us to judge righteously, and not to judge unrighteous judgments.

Answer 15

Matthew 7:1-6 (New International Version)



Matthew 7

Judging Others

1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.



6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Answer 16

Matthew 7 1-5"Judge not,that you be not judged,for with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged,and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye,but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?You hypocrite,first take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."



It is wrong to judge,no one is perfect so it is hypocritical.

Answer 17

judge all you want. your judgment is not necessarily significant to the people you judge ;)



people are naturally evaluative of actions. i just hope that your criteria for judging are valid, or at least sound.



also, after making a fair judgment, react respectively. if you realize that a person has done something wrong (which is inevitable for all of us), don't react as if he/she's a perpetually abominable person. judge actions, not people. human character is not stagnant anyway.

Answer 18

John 7:24

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.



Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.



1 Corinthians 2:15

The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.



1 Corinthians 5:12

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?



Most people think that "judge not, lest you be judged" says that we aren't supposed to warn people that sin destroys lives and will lead them to hell. Not so. God gives us specific rules to live by and reminding people that they aren't following those rules is not judgment, it's reproof.



Christians are allowed to judge those in the church (Christians) because we are told to hold each other accountable.



The warnings against judging are to people who judge but who have not judged themselves first (i.e. hypocrites). If I, as a Christian, tell you, as an unbeliever, that you need to repent of your sins and trust in the Lord that is NOT judging or rendering a judgment, that is giving you the Gospel.



Basically, most people are quick to cite the "judge not, lest you be judged" passage because they know that they are living in sin and do not want to be reminded of that fact.

Answer 19

9 In my letter I wrote YOU to quit mixing in company with fornicators, 10 not [meaning] entirely with the fornicators of this world or the greedy persons and extortioners or idolaters. Otherwise, YOU would actually have to get out of the world. 11 But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do YOU not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.”

6 Does anyone of YOU that has a case against the other dare to go to court before unrighteous men, and not before the holy ones? 2 Or do YOU not know that the holy ones will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by YOU, are YOU unfit to try very trivial matters? 3 Do YOU not know that we shall judge angels? Why, then, not matters of this life? 4 If, then, YOU do have matters of this life to be tried, is it the men looked down upon in the congregation that YOU put in as judges? 5 I am speaking to move YOU to shame. Is it true that there is not one wise man among YOU that will be able to judge between his brothers, 6 but brother goes to court with brother, and that before unbelievers?

7 Really, then, it means altogether a defeat for YOU that YOU are having lawsuits with one another. Why do YOU not rather let yourselves be wronged? Why do YOU not rather let yourselves be defrauded? 8 To the contrary, YOU wrong and defraud, and YOUR brothers at that.

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19:28—What is represented by “the twelve tribes of Israel” that will be judged? They do not represent the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel. (Gal. 6:16; Rev. 7:4-8) The apostles to whom Jesus was speaking were going to be part of spiritual Israel, not judges of its members. Jesus made ‘a covenant with them for a kingdom,’ and they were to be ‘a kingdom and priests to God.’ (Luke 22:28-30; Rev. 5:10) Those of spiritual Israel are to “judge the world.” (1 Cor. 6:2) Hence, “the twelve tribes of Israel,” whom those on the heavenly thrones judge, evidently represent the world of mankind who are outside that royal, priestly class, as pictured by the 12 tribes on Atonement Day.—Lev., chap. 16.

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Since Christians were never authorized to judge matters outside the congregation, Paul could not have meant that he and his associates would take it upon themselves to inflict punishment on disobedient ones in the world as a whole. In an earlier letter he had specifically told the Corinthians: “What do I have to do with judging those outside? Do you not judge those inside, while God judges those outside?” (1 Cor. 5:12, 13) Accordingly, Paul was talking about waging spiritual warfare inside the congregation with a view to protecting it from destructive, false reasonings and teachings. In fighting such spiritual warfare, Paul did not use such ‘fleshly weapons’ as “cunning,” ‘craftiness,’ “trickery,” high-sounding language and worldly philosophy. (2 Cor. 11:3; 12:16) He used only righteous means, including the “sword of the spirit,” God’s Word.—2 Cor. 6:3-7; Eph. 6:17.

Answer 20

Yes it is but we are all guilty of it at one time or another. Read Matthew 7:1.

Answer 21

How does including scripture make it less than opinion? It just makes it someone else's opinion.

Answer 22

Yes and No:



Does the Command to "Judge Not" Mean We Should Not Rebuke Sin?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First, we must understand that the Bible contains many passages showing that rebuking sin is something Christ did and Christians should do.



(1) Not only did Jesus rebuke sin, but He also commanded His disciples to rebuke sin.

His apostles and disciples throughout the New Testament did condemn sin with His approval. One does not need to have lived all his life without sin in order to rebuke others. Jesus knew His disciples had committed sins, yet he still ordered them to rebuke sin. Consider these passages:



Luke 17:3 - If your brother sins, rebuke him (cf. Matthew 18:15).



Ephesians 5:11 - Do not have fellowship with sin, but reprove it.



2 Timothy 2:24-26 - The Lord's servant must correct those who have been taken captive by the Devil.



2 Timothy 4:2-4 - Preaching the word requires us to "reprove and rebuke" - this means to tell people when they are wrong.



Titus 1:9-14 - Elders must sharply reprove people who teach things they ought not.



James 5:19,20 - We should seek to convert those who go into sin and error.



Proverbs 28:4 - Those who keep the law, will contend with the wicked. (Cf. Proverbs 28:23; 24:24,25.)



[Study also 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Titus 3:10; 2:15; Galatians 6:1; Proverbs 19:25; 25:12; Jude 3.]



Clearly, people do not need to live a sinless life in order to rebuke sin. In fact, if we fail to rebuke others when they sin, they we ourselves have committed the sin of disobeying the above passages!



(2) The Scriptures do not forbid all judging of sin, but in fact they require us to practice it.

John 7:24 says, "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment." This is a "judge not" passage, but note that not all judging is wrong. Rather, we are required to judge "righteous judgment."



Matthew 7:1-6,12 is another "judge not" passage. It is probably the most common passage some folks quote saying we should not judge. But again the context condemns certain kinds of judging while commending other kinds.



The context says we should not condemn others while we practice a similar sin. How can you help a neighbor get a mote (a speck of sawdust) from his eye, when you have a beam (log) in your own eye (vv 3,4)? God is repulsed by hypocrites who condemn everyone else's sins, but never see their own (Romans 2:1-3,17-24). This kind of judging is what Matthew 7:1-5 condemns.



Does this say we should always overlook a brother's sins? Not at all. Verse 5 expressly tells us to help a brother remove his mote - it does not say to keep quiet about it. But we should do this only after we have corrected our own lives! Note that verses 6 and 15-20 also require making judgments.



When we study what the Bible teaches about rebuking sin and what it teaches about judging, we learn that the Bible forbids certain kinds of judgment, but it also requires us to rebuke sin in order to help people please God and be saved.



For more information about rebuking sin, please visit our Bible Instruction web site at www.gospelway.com/instruct/ and study our free article about opposing the sins of others.



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(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 1/30/2006

Answer 23

Joh 7:24 Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards."

Answer 24

There is a difference between Judging and being judgemental...

Answer 25

well yeah its wrong but everyone does it.

One should try to judge as lil as possible but usually we will judge unconciously.

but you know its about trying to be a better person

so when you catch your self judging someone, stop yourself and give yourself a slap pn the wrist

Answer 26

judge not means to not judge using your own self righteous judgment.

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.





God tells us to judge the spiritual condition of people



Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Mat 7:19 Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.



God tells us we are to discern who false prophets are. Prophets being those who teach false doctrines. We are to instruct people to follow and believe one doctrine not many different doctrines.



God told the church

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.





the church of God is to speak the same thing, and there be no divisions, and we be perfectly joined together having the same mind toward service in God and in the same judgment or opinion.

Answer 27

No. If we didn't "judge" people/things, children would be learning religion in public school.

Answer 28

Just don't bother with the bible, I can see you are ready to sentence us all. You can get rid of that bit like the moneylending and the csasting off your wealth and not mixing fabrics.



You fundys make me laugh, you have taken so much out of the bible that doesn't suit you, that you have no credibility at all. I particularly like the guy below me verbally juggling with the words out of the bible.



You can keep your sports car, but please don't you ever try and tell other people what to do again, or moralise to us either, deal?

Answer 29

it is not good.. the bible says as we judge others so will we be judged by God.

Answer 30

Thou shalt not judge others.Only God has the right to do that.

Answer 31

I see it as more of a natural instinct

Answer 32

everyone judges things, people, lifestyles.

wrong or right it wont ever end

Answer 33

It's natural to judge.

It's douchbag-ery to say anything, though.

Answer 34

yes we can do our best....

THOU WILL not judge...dk where