Were we to take Jesus’ instruction, “do not judge,” and apply it without contextual examination, we would quickly find ourselves living in a society we wouldn’t like.
We could no longer hold criminals accountable for their crimes. We could no longer offer correction to our children. We would no longer deem anything unsafe.
In each scenario, we utilize our judgment, our good judgment.
Where Is “Do Not Judge” in the Bible?
Jesus tells His listeners, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” in Matthew 7:1 (NIV). This instruction comes from the Sermon on the Mount.
The first part of the statement, “do not judge,” seems to be familiar to almost everyone, and on the tip of the tongue of those who feel they are being unfairly judged.
However, the second portion of Christ’s statement, “or you too will be judged,” is almost always left out.
Why? Because it’s the uncomfortable part, the part that turns the mirror around and reflects back on the person passing judgment.
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, “Do Not Judge”?
Jesus isn’t teaching that His followers are not to judge. He’s teaching how His followers are to judge rightly.
In the next verse, Jesus offers clarification: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matt. 7:2 NIV).
Our judgments must be judicious, which means we must be careful, wise, and exhibit good sense. The manner in which we judge others should be the same manner we want to be judged.
Why We Must Read “Do Not Judge” in Context
If we only read, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matt. 7:1 NIV), we don’t get the full picture of what Christ is teaching—which is why we must always consider more than one verse as we study God’s Word.
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ instructions for godly living—living in right relationship with God and one another. Throughout this section of Scripture, we see the Lord emphasize righteousness that flows from the heart, over dogmatic adherence to religious rituals and outward practices.
At the time, the practice of religion had superseded the heart posture of God’s people. They were concerned about keeping the law, but not about the lawgiver, Yahweh.
This is a problem for modern-day believers also.
When we keep God’s commandments out of obligation or for the sake of appearance, we miss the point that our obedience to the Lord is an act of love.
In biblical times, keeping the law was the chief concern of an Israelite, but by today’s Christian standards this might look like keeping up the appearance of being a “good Christian.” As a result, we find that all too often our hearts become proud and our judgments come quickly—without caution or wisdom.
The truth is we can’t ever truly know the heart or thoughts of another. The apostle Paul reminds us of this. “For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:11).
We have the limited ability to judge a person’s external actions. Only God has the capability of judging the heart.
Apply the 20/20 Rule to Understand “Do Not Judge” in Context
It turns out that the best interpreter of Scripture is always Scripture.
To understand the intended meaning of a verse, try using the “20/20 reading rule.” Go back and read twenty verses before the verse in question, and then read twenty verses past. Using this guide will help you to understand the larger context of the passage.
Applying the 20/20 rule to this passage, we pick up the text right after the Lord’s Prayer. Starting in Matthew 6:14, we read, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14–15).
Do you see the parallels between these two passages?
Matthew 6:14–15 is focused on the two sides of forgiveness, while Matthew 7:1 is focused on the two sides of judgment. We extend forgiveness because we are forgiven. When we judge others, we judge the way we want to be judged, imitating the way God always judges—rightly.
Right Judgment Is Not Hypocritical
Returning to Matthew 7, in verses 3 through 5, Jesus offers an example of unwise judgment. He illustrates how we can’t possibly help someone else remove a speck from their eye if there is a log in our own, saying, “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” (Matt. 7:5).
Before we can assist someone else with their “issues,” we must first deal with our own.
Does this mean we must be perfect before we can help someone else or make a right judgment regarding their behaviors or choices? No. Only Jesus lived a perfect life (see 1 Pet. 2:22). You and I can never do that.
You don’t have to be perfect to offer help or make a judgment about a sister or brother in Christ who is struggling with sin. But if you are living in active rebellion, in persistent sin, willfully violating God’s commandments, your judgment is at best likely to be received with skepticism, or at worst likely to be heard as hypocrisy.
So, what do we do?
We judge rightly, and we speak the truth in love.
Speak the Truth in Love
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages the body of Christ that if they are to truly mature in their faith, by understanding proper doctrine and not falling for “deceitful schemes” (Eph. 4:14), they must be people who are “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).
Speaking the truth in love doesn’t mean you won’t be accused of being hypocritical. It doesn’t mean “do not judge” won’t be thrown back in your face. But be encouraged that God can use your right judgment to bring about conviction.
The truth can be a lifeline for a sister or brother who has fallen for the enemy’s deceitful schemes—a lifeline the Holy Spirit can use to call them to repentance.
And when we speak the truth in love, we adhere to the new commandment Christ gives: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35).
As Paul points out, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). If your judgment is not filtered through biblical truth, wisely delivered, and given in love, it is unlikely to be anything more than empty noise.
Good Discernment Leads to Good Judgment
If we want to improve our judgment, we must first improve our discernment, and we do that by knowing God’s Word for ourselves. In Psalm 119:66, the psalmist writes, “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands” (NIV).
In the pages of Scripture, God offers us a picture of reality, of what happens when we wander from Him. He also reveals who He is and who we are to Him. Each person is so precious, of immeasurable value, knit together by Him, and He desires that each and every one of us receive the free gift of salvation (see 1 Tim. 2:3–4).
The next time you are tempted to judge another person, start by employing good discernment, remembering Jesus gave His life for them. Judge them how you want to be judged.
And if given the opportunity, speak the truth in love.
From “Do Not Judge” to Right Action
The next time you’re faced with an opportunity to judge yourself or others, make sure you’re armed with the biblical knowledge you need to discern rightly. These related resources will help you walk in truth and love.
- What Is Sin According to the Bible?
- What Forgiveness in the Bible Is (and Is Not)
- What Is Grace? Understanding God’s Undeserved Favor
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
