The Bible is often quoted as prohibiting judgment, with the famous line from Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” However, a deeper examination of Scripture reveals that while the Bible does caution against unrighteous judgment, it also encourages believers to discern and make judgments using wisdom and compassion. In this article, we will explore biblical passages that instruct us to judge righteously, providing guidance on how to discern truth and make decisions based on God’s principles.

In Luke 13:1-5, He said, “And there were present, at that very time, some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answering, said to them: Think you that these Galileans were sinners above all the men of Galilee, because they suffered such things? No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen upon whom the tower fell in Siloe, and slew them: think you, that they also were debtors above all the men that dwelt in Jerusalem? No, I say to you; but except you do penance, you shall all likewise perish.” This is clearly a judgment in real time. But Christ does not judge indiscriminately.

The Call to Discernment

The Bible clearly instructs believers to discern between good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness. In Hebrews 5:14, we are told that “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” This passage highlights the importance of developing our ability to discern between what is right and wrong, and to make judgments based on our understanding of God’s will.

A similar call to discernment can be found in 1 Corinthians 2:15, where Paul writes, “The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.” This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to make judgments based on their spiritual understanding, while also being open to receiving judgment from others who may have a deeper understanding of God’s will.

Judging Righteously

While the Bible cautions against unrighteous judgment, it also provides guidance on how to judge righteously. In John 7:24, Jesus says, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” This passage highlights the importance of not being swayed by superficial factors, but rather making judgments based on the truth and wisdom that come from God.

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, saying, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” This passage emphasizes the need for self-reflection and humility when making judgments, ensuring that we are addressing our own shortcomings before we attempt to correct those of others.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teachings on judgment are not a call to ignore or avoid making decisions, but rather an invitation to discern and judge righteously. By cultivating our ability to distinguish between good and evil, and by making judgments based on wisdom and compassion, we can follow God’s guidance and live according to His principles. As believers, we must strive to judge righteously, always seeking to understand and apply God’s truth in our lives and the lives of others.