Matthew 7:1 is a verse often quoted to show that no one should ever judge another.  It says, “Judge not or you too will be judged.”  Actually, it seems it is usually quoted from the KJV for some reason.  Anyway, is this verse really saying it is always wrong to judge another?

 

Apparent contradictions 

 

If the verse were forbidding all judgments made by men it seems it would contradict other passages.

 

Galatians 6.  This passage teaches that judgments must be made in order to fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:1-2
1Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

How can we restore someone overtaken in any trespass without making some kind of judgment?  How can you determine if someone is “overtaken in [a] trespass?”  You must look at the person’s life, measure the person’s life against Scripture, and then draw conclusions.  You must make some kind of a judgment.  In fact, if you never make these kinds of judgments (i.e. if you never help others overtaken in any trespass) you are breaking the law of Christ.  You are not adequately bearing other’s burdens.

 

Matthew 7:15-16.  Matthew 7:15 tells us to beware of false prophets.  How can we even identify a false prophet unless we “judge” them in some way?  We must consider their fruit, and judge the fruit to be good or bad according to Scripture.  Matthew 7:16 says, “By their fruit you will know them.” 

 

John 7:24b.  Jesus goes so far as to say we should judge with righteous judgment.  He qualifies His command when He says we should not judge according to appearance.  We must get all the facts first.  We must be careful in our judgments.

 

An explanation

 

In Matthew 7:1, Jesus is not forbidding all judgments made by men.  He is forbidding judgmentalism.  The word, “judge,” is defined by the context.  In the verses which follow, He makes this abundantly clear. His next sentence begins, “For in the way you judge.”  He was not forbidding all judgments, but judgments made in a certain way.  What way?

 

Judgmentalism.  What is the wrong way and what is the right way to judge according to Matthew 7:1-5?  Let’s consider the RIGHT way to judge others. (1) You should avoid judging others according to your own standard; judge according to the Word of God.  Jesus says, “By your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”  What is your standard of measure when you judge others?  Is it your own opinion?  Do you have Scripture to support the judgments you are making?

 

(2) You should apply the law to yourself before you apply it to others.  Jesus says, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”  Do you examine yourself before you examine others?

 

A person is judgmental when he ignores the logs in his eye to “help” others with mere twigs.

 

While we’re at it, let’s add a couple other principles from Galatians 6:1-2 to help us judge others biblically.  (3) You should be spiritual (Galatians 6:1).  You should be controlled by the Holy Spirit.  Are you out of control when you rebuke others?  Are you acting according to Scripture (Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:18 are parallel passages demonstrating that being filled with the Holy Spirit is letting the Word of Christ richly dwell within you)?

 

(4) Your judgments should be a labor of love (Galatians 6:2).  Your judgments should be for the benefit of the other person.  Are you loving when you help others with their sin? 

 

(5) Your judgments should be communicated in a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1).  Are you angry when you point out sin in others’ lives?  Are you calm and controlled?  What would others say?

 

(6) Your ultimate goal in judging others should be to glorify God.  Everything should be done for the glory of God.  Do you pray before you try to help others with their sin?  Do you consider how you could please God before you speak to others?

 

Judge others.  God commands you to do so.  However, judge with righteous judgment.  Have the right motive.  Have the right goal.  Do it in the right way.  Otherwise, you will give an account for it before the Judge.