The Bible talks about judgment in many ways. The most often cited two words are Judge Not. This particular saying of Jesus is taken out of context by those who are either non-believers or Christians who have never considered the full context. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about judgment in context. Note: you can mouse over any verse for a pop-up of the passage and don’t forget you can click the Play icon at the top of each of our posts to have it read to you.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged
Matthew 7:1, says: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” See also Paul reiterating this in different words in Romans 2:1.
This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus is teaching his followers about righteousness and how to live according to God’s will. In this passage, Jesus is warning his followers against judging others, as it can lead to hypocrisy and a self-righteous attitude. He tells them that they will be judged by the same standards they use to judge others and that they should be careful about how they judge others, as it will affect how they are judged in return.
This verse is often understood as a call to humility and compassion in our interactions with others. It reminds us that we are all imperfect and that we should be careful not to judge others harshly or unfairly.
The passage goes on: “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? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
There is a time when we can see clearly enough to help our brother. However, we must be certain that we are seeing things clearly. Otherwise, we fall into hypocrisy.
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
According to the Bible, believers in Jesus will participate in the judgment of angels at the end of time. In 1 Corinthians 6:3, it says: “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” This verse suggests that believers in Jesus will have a role in judging the angels, although the exact nature of this judgment is not specified.
In general, the Bible teaches that believers will participate in the final judgment at the end of time, when Jesus returns. This judgment will involve the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous, and the righteous will be rewarded with eternal life in the presence of God. The Bible also teaches that believers will have a role in judging the world and its affairs, as they will be seated with Jesus in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son
John 5:22, says: “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.”
In this passage, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders of his day about his authority and his relationship with God the Father. In this verse, Jesus is explaining that the Father has given him the authority to judge all people.
This verse is often understood as a confirmation of Jesus’ authority and his role as the judge of all people. It reminds us that Jesus has been given authority over all things and that he will be the one to judge all people on the day of judgment. It also reminds us that God the Father is not involved in the judgment of individuals, but has given that authority to Jesus
For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13, says: “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in which James, brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Christian church, is addressing the importance of loving others and showing mercy to those in need. In this verse, James is reminding the believers that judgment will be harsh for those who do not show mercy to others. He is also emphasizing the importance of mercy, which he says triumphs over judgment.
This verse is often understood as a call to compassion and kindness towards others. It reminds us that showing mercy to others is an important virtue and that we should be merciful in our interactions with others. It also reminds us that God is merciful and that he extends mercy to those who seek it.
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
John 7:24, says: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Jesus is teaching the people about righteousness and the importance of seeking the truth. In this verse, Jesus is urging the people to not make judgments based on appearances or superficial factors but to instead judge correctly, based on the true nature of things.
This verse is often understood as a call to discernment and critical thinking. It reminds us that we should not be swayed by appearances or superficial factors, but should seek to understand the true nature of things and make judgments based on accurate and reliable information.
Judge nothing before the appointed time
1 Corinthians 4:5, says: “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.”
The apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian believers about their tendency to judge and compare themselves to one another. Paul is reminding them that they should not be quick to judge or make assumptions about others, as they do not have complete knowledge or understanding of all the circumstances. He tells them to wait for the Lord to come, as he will bring everything to light and reveal the true motives of people’s hearts.
This verse is often understood as a call to humility and caution in judging others. It reminds us that we do not have complete knowledge or understanding of all the circumstances and that we should wait for God to reveal the truth in his own time.
Therefore let us not judge one another any more
Romans 14:13, says: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.”
Paul is addressing the issue of disagreements among believers over matters of conscience, such as whether or not it is acceptable to eat certain foods or observe certain days as holy. In this verse, Paul is urging the believers to stop judging one another over these matters and instead focus on not causing others to stumble or fall.
This verse is often understood as a call to unity and respect for one another’s beliefs and practices. It reminds us that it is not our place to judge others and that we should be careful not to cause others to stumble or fall in their faith. It also reminds us that we should seek to build one another up, rather than tearing one another down.
This is especially good to keep in mind when differences between denominations come into play. Why not rather support and pray for one another? If we are all following the same Jesus but have a slightly different way of viewing the external things should we not put them to rest for the sake of the church?
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak
Matthew 12:36, says: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is teaching his followers about the importance of their words and actions. In this verse, Jesus is warning his followers that they will be held accountable for every word they speak on the day of judgment. He is emphasizing the power of words and the importance of being careful about what we say.
This verse is often understood as a call to be mindful of our words and to speak with care and consideration for others. It reminds us that our words have power and that we will be held accountable for how we use that power. Our words have the power to build up or destroy. It is also interesting to note that God “spoke” the world into existence in Genesis 1:3. This is the power of the word of God.
If you would like to read all the other passages relating to judgment click here.
Note: This post was written and spoken in part by Artificial Intelligence. What did you think?