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When does judging become wrong?


Introduction. Our question implies that all judgment is not necessarily sinful.  In a single sentence Jesus forbid certain judgment and commanded another type of judgment.  Hear him: "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7: 24).  The Jews were judging (condemning) Jesus because he had healed on the Sabbath (vss. 22-24).  Their judgment was shallow and based on appearance (they did not possess all the facts concerning the Sabbath law).

Our judgment becomes wrong when we are worse than those whom we judge.  This is precisely the circumstance involved in Jesus' statement, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7: 1-5).   After one has corrected ones own life, Jesus said, they are then in a position to correctly "judge" (vs. 5).  Moreover, in the same setting Jesus requires judgment when he taught, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs..." (vs. 6).

Our judgment becomes wrong if it is in an area of liberty.  Paul asked the cogent question, "But why dost thou judge thy brother...?" (Rom. 14: 10).  Some were judging others over matters of indifference - certain days, eating meat, and drink (vss. 3, 6, 21).  Such matters did not involve sin (vs. 14).

Our judgment becomes wrong when we use carnal standards.  Some judge using the standard of materialism (Luke 12: 15, Jas. 2), traditionalism (Mk. 7), the Law of Moses (Col. 2: 14-16).  Many employ the standard of majority rule, "the majority cannot be wrong, so you must be!"

Conclusion. The truth is we are judging when we condemn one for judging.  All judgment is not wrong.  In certain cases, we are wrong if we do not judge (John 7: 24).  God's word is the standard for all judgment (2 John 9-11, John 12: 48).  By using the word and knowing the pertinent facts, we are judging righteous judgment.
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