To Judge or Not Judge
Recently, a Facebook friend posted a list of scriptures implying that it is okay to judge. We decided to be like a Berean and search the scriptures to see if what was presented was true. Based on our research, this is what was said and our response to each one. We recommend that you also be like a Berean and search the scriptures to see if what is presented by either myself or the Facebook friend is true. We must study to show ourselves approved. 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Matthew 7:16 Yeshua teaches us how to judge
Not talking about judging a person. We are to be fruit inspectors. We are to recognize a false prophet by their fruit, not their teaching.
Good Fruit = fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Bad Fruit = sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Original language refers to virtue. A virtuous tree can not bear bad fruit and a wicked tree cannot bear good fruit.
John 7:24 Yeshua commands us to judge
Referring to deeds, not a person.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 judging is the character of being spiritual
Discernment is not the same thing as judgment. As verbs the difference between judge and discern is that judge is to sit in judgment on; to pass sentence on while discern is to detect with the senses, especially with the eyes. The actual word used here should be appraises which means assess the value or quality of. This passage is talking about a carnal person vs a spiritual person understanding the value of spiritual things. It has nothing to do with judging a person except in the context of a person discerning or appraising their own value in Christ.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 we are to judge those in the church
Has to do with carnal behavior specifically sexual immorality, not teaching.
1 Corinthians 6:5 we are to judge matters between brothers
Judging or deciding matters between brothers and sisters, not judging them.
1 Corinthians 14:29 we are to judge preaching
Technically prophetic words; however, the principle can apply. Once again it is judging a word or teaching, not the person speaking.
2 Corinthians 11:4 we are to judge doctrine and teaching
Yes! Is it true? Be a Berean. Search the scriptures. Verify what people are saying.
1 John 2:18-20 we are to judge false believers
Not judging anyone. Recognizing some came in and then left because they were not true believers.
Ephesians 5:11 we are to judge the deeds and workers of darkness
Do not participate in useless deeds of darkness. Original language says, Do not participate or even expose or reprove them. Do not even talk about them…for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. Not about judging at all. Let your light shine and the works of darkness will be exposed by your light and this will lead those workers of darkness to repent and come into the light.
Matthew 7:15-16 we are to judge false teachers
Once again, judge the teaching not the person. Just because someone teaches an error doesn’t make them a false teacher any more than a person giving prophecies and one does not come to pass makes them a false prophet. All can prophesy now and all can teach, but that doesn’t mean we are perfect or know everything. Like I said before…be like a Berean. Do not bear false witness or partner with the Accuser of the Brethren by calling people false prophets or false teachers just because you disagree with one or two teachings or a prophecy or two doesn’t come to pass. Address erroneous teachings and words, but do not judge people.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 one day, true believers will judge the world and the angels
The key is someday we WILL, not now. And even then it will be related to deeds. That is why we are instructed to not judge others. And with the measure we judge, we will be judged. The Lord gave me this analogy. Think of a jury. A jury hears the evidence and decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty; however, if the jury finds the person guilty then the Judge, not the jury, decides on the penalty. Judging is deciding penalty. We are never authorized to do that. There is only one Judge. That Judge is Yahweh and Yahweh only.
Matthew 7:1-5 Yeshua speaking about judging others
“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 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?
Conclusion
We are to judge matters. Discern right from wrong. Bear good fruit. Study to show ourselves approved. Be like a Berean. Do not participate in carnal and wicked behavior. Do not even talk about it. Be a light. If someone is claiming to be a brother or sister and is engaging in carnal behavior do not hang out with them. Remove them from the church, especially, if they are engaged in sexual immorality. But under no circumstances are we to be judging people and calling them false teachers or false prophets as we could be guilty of bearing false witness which violates one of the Ten Commandments. Additionally, we do not want to partner with the Accuser of the Brethren or do his job for him.
I hope this study has helped you. Remember to always be like a Berean and search the scriptures daily to see if what you are hearing is true.
Shalom dear ones!