The subject of judging others is misunderstood by many. Some believe that we are always forbidden by God to judge the actions of others. Yes, Jesus instructed us not to judge, but what did He mean? Does “judge not” mean that Christians should tolerate all views and practices, never trying to correct error? Are we forbidden by Jesus from ever judging any action taken by others, regardless of the situation? The answer to all these questions is “No!” There are times when we are commanded to judge (John 7:24). So, when and how should we not judge?

We should not judge the hearts of others.

While we must sometimes make determinations based upon the fruit one bears, to go beyond that is to overreach our abilities. Only God can read the hearts of men (1 Samuel 16:7). He is the perfect Judge because He is all knowing and is, therefore, aware of all the facts (Hebrews 4:12-13). Since we do not have the ability to read hearts, when we attempt to do so, we are judging in a way that is not helpful and is displeasing to God.

We should not judge others by the wrong standard.

There is only one standard by which to judge others, and that is the Bible (John 12:48). To judge by any other standard is to judge wrongfully. In God’s Word certain things are commended, while others are condemned. However, there are things that are neither commended nor condemned by the Word. That makes them neutral to God. When we judge others in those areas of neutrality, we are judging unlawfully (Romans 14:1-4; 10-13). To do so is to claim that God’s standard is incomplete. Matthew Henry said, “He who quarrels with his brother and condemns him for the sake of anything not determined in the Word of God, does there by reflect on His Word, as if it were not a perfect rule.” Mr. Henry was exactly right.

We should not judge according to appearance.

The biggest mistake we make, regarding judging, is doing it according to appearance. Jesus warned us about this when He said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). We need to be careful about jumping to conclusions. We should never go by hearsay or unconfirmed rumors when judging others. Instead, we must make sure that our conclusions are based on facts, not on unverified reports. The grapevine is not a good source to turn to when judging. Fairness demands that we consider all the facts before judging others. Solomon said, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him….” (Proverbs 18:13). So, let us not judge according to appearance, for such is condemned by God.

We should not judge hypocritically.

This brings us to the specific type of judgment Jesus forbids in our text. A hypocrite can reveal himself in many ways, but never more than when he condemns in others that which he ignores in himself. Yet, this is a common occurrence, even among professing Christians. We should know that such is reprehensible to God (Romans 2:1-4, 17-24), and do all we can to avoid passing hypocritical judgment. True self-examination can help us refrain from judging in this way.

When it comes time to judge, let us make sure that it is done in a way pleasing to God, for with what measure we use, it shall be measured to us (Matthew 7:2).

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.