by Brian Douglass

Created on: August 18, 2008

The crux of this issue is the meaning of the word "judge." In current usage, the word judge implies a variety of things. American idol sees contestants judged on their singing ability, judges preside in courts which determine guilt and punish the guilty, then we have the many people who accuse others of being "too judgmental." We also judge the food at a restaurant when we place an order.

It is clear that picking food, judging a contest, or serving as a judge aren't sinful actions. So, it is fine to judge in this sense. We are free to judge between two choices as seen in Luke 7:43. However, greater contention (and I assume the subject of this debate) arises when the object of judgment is or is perceived to be another person.

In objection to such judgment, Mat. 7:1 is often cited. "Judge not, that you may not be judged." The verse, though continues: "For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again."

Let us first examine the word "judge" in the Greek text of Mat. 7:1. In both cases it is the same word: "." This is a verb which means "to separate, judge, decide, govern." It occurs also in Luke 6:37, which is a similar statement by Jesus, and in James 5:9 which says "Grudge not, brethren, one against another, that you may not be /judged/. Behold the judge standeth before the door."

The word "judge" in James 5 is "" which means "a decider, judge, umpire." In the Greek Old Testament, both Psalms 7:12 and Isaiah 33:22 (among other texts) apply this to God. It is also applied to earthly judges in both the Old and New Testaments. However, each time clearly implies a judgment either in the eternal or temporal sense of deciding someone's fate. Eternally, this means if someone goes to heaven of hell. This alone is God's role. Temporally, the State judges the guilt of a party and punishes them justly as is their proper role.

Most of us are not in a position to be a judge of others in criminal or civil courts. None of us can rightfully claim the role of Judge and condemn people to Hell or send them to Heaven for eternity. That is God's role and God's alone.

Jesus' warning in Mt. 7:1 is a warning against such judgment as seen in the next lines: "For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again." If we dare usurp the role of God, we will pay the price.

Now, what about judging people? When we "judge people" are we really saying that they are damned or should go to heaven? If we are, then we are clearly out of line. However, most of the time such "judgment" involves weighing the merit of a person's words, actions, or views. Is such an act out of line? I think not. Certainly Mt. 7:1 cannot be brought to bear against such actions.

As persons concerned for with our own salvation, we must judge the input others give us and decide how to act. Further, though, should we not, out of love for another be concerned with helping them obtain salvation? It seems that we are commanded to love one another as Jesus loved us. When faced with sinners, Jesus always said: "go and sin no more." He forced them to confront their sin and told them not to do it any more. Fraternal correction of another is the same type of love. However, we must be careful. Badly carried out correction, even when done out of love, can backfire. Also, it is always tempting to correct others out of pride. This isn't good either.

So, yes, we may "judge" in a certain sense, but we must be sure we know what we are doing and proceed with caution.

Pax.

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