Daily Wisdom

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged…” Lk 6:37

Unfortunately many who quote Jesus in saying “judge not, least you be judge” use it to judge others for judging! People are apt to judge in matters they don’t have full understanding and in doing so cause hurt, discouragement and confusion for others. But, we are directed by the scriptures that we must have judgment, but only when it comes to discerning character and/or teachings. Paul illustrated this many times (Mt 7:1; Mt 7:15; Rom 16:17-18; 1 Tim 1:20; 2 Tim 2:17-18) he even mentions names such as Demas, warns Timothy about “Alexander the coppersmith” who did much evil, Hymenaeus and Philetus who have gone astray and John warned of Diotrephes who loves to be first (3 Jn). These men were not wrongly judged by the apostles, but discernment was used against their ungodly character and false teachings. It’s not judgment speaking to one, privately, about such character flaws and teachings. But when criticism comes by means of jealousy, bitterness, selfish-ambition or any sin of your personal dislike and not for the purpose of building them up in Christ-likeness, such would be unjust judgment. It becomes judgment when we use human standards and opinions and not God’s word for betterment and encouragement. First and foremost, before you look towards others look inward first and see if it’s a worthy example.

Judge not what you see, but what you know to be true.

HSAY…Todd