Outreach FAQs: What Does the Bible Say About Judging Others?

It's very important to make clear exactly what the Bible does say about the judging of others.

This is because judgment is a complex and often misunderstood topic in the Bible. Many people quote Jesus’ words, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), to suggest that Christians should never make judgments about others. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals that there are different types of judgment, and Jesus calls His followers to exercise righteous judgment. Far from being an excuse for moral indifference, the Bible’s teaching on judgment emphasises both accountability and the need to point others to the eternal consequences of their choices.

The Types of Judgment in the Bible

There are distinguishes between several kinds of judgment. There is the unrighteous judging of others in the Bible, which is hypocritical or based on superficial appearances. Jesus condemned this kind of judgment, saying, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Righteous judgment, by contrast, is grounded in God’s truth and exercised with humility and discernment.

There is also eternal judgment, which belongs to God alone. Paul writes, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). This ultimate judgment should sober anyone who is living in rebellion against God, as it determines one’s eternal destiny.

What does the Bible say about The Hypocrisy in Judging of others

Jesus warned against hypocritical judgment in His Sermon on the Mount: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3). Here, He is not forbidding judgment altogether but cautioning against self-righteousness. Before pointing out someone else’s sin, Christians are called to examine their own hearts and lives.

The Call to Righteous Judging of others

While unrighteous judgment is condemned, the Bible encourages believers to practice righteous judgment. This involves discerning right from wrong according to God’s Word and lovingly pointing others toward repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul writes, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Righteous judgment is not about condemnation but restoration. It seeks to guide others toward the truth and away from the eternal consequences of sin. James reminds us, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

"Only God Can Judge Me"

The phrase “only God can judge me” is often used to dismiss accountability, but it should be a sobering reality. God’s judgment is perfect and inescapable. Revelation describes this ultimate judgment: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened… and they were judged every man according to their works” (Revelation 20:12). For those living in sin, the prospect of standing before a holy God should inspire repentance, not complacency.

As Christians, our responsibility is to warn others of the eternal judgment to come. Jesus spoke of the reality of hell, describing it as a place “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44). Pointing people to this truth is not an act of condemnation but of love, urging them to place their trust in Jesus alone for salvation.

Judging with Love and Humility

When exercising righteous judgment, Christians must do so with love, humility, and a desire for restoration. Paul advises, “Let all your things be done with charity” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Judgment should never be harsh or prideful but motivated by a genuine concern for others’ spiritual well-being.

In Summary

The Bible’s teaching about judging others is nuanced. While it condemns hypocritical and unrighteous judgment, it calls Christians to exercise righteous judgment rooted in God’s Word. This includes pointing others to the reality of eternal judgment and the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. As Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Far from being a licence for moral indifference, the call to righteous judgment is an invitation to share God’s truth with compassion and humility, pointing others to the only One who can save their souls.

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