Is It Okay to Judge Others?
Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to judge people? You might have heard phrases like “Don’t judge others” or “Don’t be judgmental.” Some people even accuse those who criticize the behavior or beliefs of Christians of being too strict or self-righteous.
For instance, in a book called “Grace Awakening,” Charles Swindoll describes those who dare to criticize as “people who are too quick to find fault.” A mission president even labeled Christian fundamentalists as “Christian Pharisees” for pointing out problems within the mission and church association.
But sometimes, when someone criticizes others, they resort to force and intimidation to silence those who might do the same. They might even use harsh language to attack those who have spoken up. It’s a bit ironic because the people who should be judged for their behavior end up being the judges themselves.
So, the question remains: Is it morally right to judge others? Many say “No.”
But, let’s turn to the Bible to see what it says about this issue.
Why Is There So Much Confusion About Judgment?
Why do people disagree so much about whether it’s okay to judge others? One reason is that the Bible talks about many different kinds of judgment, and they don’t all mean the same thing. Some types of judgment in the Bible have nothing to do with what we’re discussing here.
So, what are we focusing on? We’re interested in how we should judge people, their teachings, and their actions. This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, “Don’t judge by appearances, but judge correctly” (John 7:24). This means there’s a right and wrong way to judge. On one hand, we’re told not to judge, and on the other hand, we’re told to judge. It can be confusing, right?
To make it simple, let’s say there are two types of judgment:
- The Good Kind of Judgment: This is about being discerning and wise. It’s like when you check if something is good or bad based on the facts. The Bible encourages this kind of judgment. For example, it tells us to “test everything and hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
- The Bad Kind of Judgment: This is when you criticize others in a hurtful way, usually to make yourself look better or to cover up your own mistakes. This kind of judgment is wrong, and the Bible warns against it.
What the Bible Says About Judgment
The Bible offers some guidance on how to judge others in the right way:
- Judge According to the Bible: The Bible is like our guidebook for what’s right and wrong. So, when we judge, we should use the Bible’s standards. It helps us understand what’s good and what’s not.
- Check Yourself Before You Judge Others: Before you point out someone else’s mistakes, make sure you’re not making the same ones. It’s like cleaning up your own room before telling someone else to clean theirs.
To sum it up, our judgments shouldn’t be based on appearances, personal biases, or snap decisions. Instead, we should judge righteously, and we do that by making sure our own life is in order before we try to straighten out someone else’s. As Jesus said: “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?” – Matthew 7:3
