[Biblemat] Judging others (question/answer)

[Don Martin]

Hello Ralph,

Thank you so much for your question and for making use of
Bible Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org
Please check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net  Go to the
archives section of these sites for material and also go to the archives
search page and type in any subject or word you wish to explore.
New material is constantly being added to both sites. Any help you
can give us in telling others of these sites will be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is
an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the
home page, scroll down and enter.  While on the Map Site Page,
click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the table.  Click on
http://www.bibletruths.net to go there.

You asked:

When is it ok to judge others?

Reply:

The scriptures both require and condemn judging.  Contradiction?
No, we must consider the details.  The Christian is required to judge
righteous judgment (Jn. 7: 24).  In the setting, "righteous judgment"
is considering the prevailing facts of a circumstance and accurately
applying the word of God to arrive at a correct assessment and
decision as to right or wrong. There are many ways in which judgment
can be wrong.  For instance, if we are judging when doing the same as
the one whom we are judging, doing worst, etc. (Rom. 2: 21ff.;
Matt. 7: 1-5).  Moreover, even though there are times when the
Christian must judge, it is not the primary role of the Christian to judge
but do be a doer of the word (Jas. 4: 11).  I recommend you read,
"The Truth about Judging" found in Bible Truths.  Click on
http://www.bibletruths.net and enter through the door.  When on the
Site Map page, click on "Archives and Index," then click on the letter "J"
on the Archives page.  Here is an excerpt:

     "...The average religionist, it would seem, believes we are not to
judge, no exception or qualification offered. Such a belief is patently
simplistic. When one exclaims, "you are wrong because we are not to
judge," they themselves have just judged. In too many cases, the claim
"judge not" is a cop out, one is seeking to avoid an issue....."

Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual
matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference
(web addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in both
Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at the
bottom of the home page in Bible Truths).

Cordially,
Don Martin