Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
79
He That is Without Sin
A phrase that has been used consistently lately by many people is the phrase, "(Mat 7:1 Judge not lest ye be judged.)" It is as common as written words lately. Much of the time it is used when someone has been told they believe wrong, speak wrong, etc. . . So how are Christians supposed to act or say when someone is believing wrong things or teaching wrong things? Are we to allow people to believe every wind of doctrine even though it may take them into hell?
Another verse of scripture that is overused is (Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.) Two scriptures here that seem to be very direct and in fact were spoken by Jesus himself. There is a problem in the way they are used, however. If they stood alone with no other verses around them, then yes they would mean exactly what they say. In order to truly understand them, one must read more than just the two verse. The surrounding verses must also be read. The full context of what is being said must be read and understood.
Let's first take a loot at John 8:7. The Pharisees had brought a woman out to Jesus and accused her of committing adultery, of which she was indeed guilty. They brought the woman to Jesus and put her in the center telling Jesus of her heinous act. They demanded that she be judged according to the law. A few things come to my mind. Where was the man with whom she committed adultery? How did so many Pharisees find out about the act?
It makes me wonder if they were watching or maybe even set her up in some way. They were also testing Jesus hoping to find some way of accusing Him of heresy. If Jesus had told them to stone her, He would have had them stoned also for participating in the act. He also would have asked for the man to be brought and stoned also. Jesus didn't actually say, "Don't stone her." He knew what the law required. He simply said to them, "If you are without sin, cast the first stone."
They all knew they were guilty. He knew what they were up to when they first brought the woman out to Him. One must also keep in mind that these are the same people who had tried many times to trap Jesus. They were snakes in the grass so to speak and could not be trusted. Their word was not reliable. (Joh 7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? Joh 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? ) Many fail to realize that earlier Jesus made another statement. (Joh 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.) We are to judge but only judge in righteousness. Sort of like seeing a man who is filthy and dirty. If we judge him by his filthy and dirty appearance only, we have judged him wrongly. he may be a man who works at a job in which filth and dirt is a part of life. Coal miners who work underground can't help but get filthy during their shift at work.
Hope for Every Man by Casting Crowns
Judge Not
In addressing Matthew 7:1, it must be taken in context just as John 8:7. Let's read more than one scripture.( Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. ) We are exhorted to make sure we are right with God before judging anything. This is about removing the beam from your own eye first. Then we can make sound and righteous judgments.
We are to judge, but judge carefully and righteously. we must always remember, there is a soul at stake. We cannot judge in a hypocritical manner and be right with God. Jesus made judgments all through the gospels.( Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? ) Jesus made judgment in these two scriptures. Can we be like Christ if we do the opposite of what He did?
Slow Fade by Casting Crowns
In Conclusion
We must look at more scriptures. We are to have nothing to do with darkness other than to expose it where it manifests itself. ( Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. ) We must do the commands that God gave us through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
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Comments
This one is my favorite SirDent, it goes well with the wheat and the tares parable.
Thanks for the read and comment VP. I started to write this one a couple weeks ago but put it on the backburner. People don't realize what they are saying at times, and I, for one, am no different.
Thanks Bdazzler for the read and comment. I didn't think of the wheat and tares parable when writing this, but you are right.
Jesus was obviously Jewish and well studied in the Old Testament. SO my question is, how does this relate to judgment as presented in Ruth? Jesus wouldn't have made any statements without being conscious of the lessons on Judgment that were presented there. Thanks in advance, SirDent.
Not sure what you are asking of me Storytellers. The thing Jesus was agaisnt wasnt not judgment. He was against judgment by unlawful priests and churchgoers. Jesus could have judged them all and had them all stoned, but He did not. Many don't realize why I suppose. But Jesus showed mercy and c hose to show mercy over judging. He also gave the woman a warning. He said, "Go and sin no more."
I will study Ruth and see what the Lord shows me regarding your question.
SirDent, yet another great hub and well written. I'm glad you addressed these Scriptures. I think everyone needs to read this hub. It applies to each and every one of us. I'm glad you showed things need to be taken in context. I think everyone is guilty of taking things out of context from time to time and you show in this hub how those much-used and mis-used Scriptures are to be interpreted by God. Also, to bring in the Scripture about the wolves in sheeps clothing and to warn us about that. Today it is all too common, as seen here on hubpages. We must be able to judge what is of God and what is of satan. The Holy Spirit is our Guide in this and helps us to determine what we are seeing. Well done.
Hi SirDent. You know, we are all in the same boat, so for me to judge someone who has done a wrong agsinst me, your hub reminds me to think of that person as myself, a sinner and to judge them I might as well judge myself. I and that person is the same in God's eyes so if I treat that person unfairly I am asking God to treat me unfairly. Great hub. Opened my eyes to my flaws. God loves us! All.
I agree that every verse of scripture must be taken in context.
If you don’t mind, I would like to make some comments, to clear things up in my mind if nobody else’s mind. Feel free to deny if you want.
It is true that the enemies were trying to put Jesus on the horns of a dilemma. If Jesus had told them to stone her, He would have alienated Himself as a friend from the publicans and sinners. If Jesus had told them not to stone her, they could accuse Him of being in opposition to the Law of Moses.
Either way Jesus would be alienating Himself from sinners who needed a Savior. That is critical. The publicans, tax collectors and sinners are in the same sinking sin ship as the arrogant religious but lost. We all need a Savior.
Now Moses, in the law, commanded… But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. John 8:5-6
The woman was guilty and caught in the act. Where was the man? According to the law they both should be stoned.
An important point is that the enemy was trying to set Him up, thus they were just as guilty of sin, and Jesus had to deal with both groups of sinners.
On another occasion Jesus asked; “What is easier to say…” Personally, I fail to see the difference in saying; “do not judge, lest you be judged” or “don’t stone her” and "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." That seems to me to be an issue of the Spirit of God working on the conscience of mankind. (Hebrews 4:12)
You ask two questions; “So how are Christians supposed to act or say when someone is believing wrong things or teaching wrong things? Are we to allow people to believe every wind of doctrine even though it may take them into hell?”
My answer to that would be; “I don’t control what a person believes. What I can do is proclaim the truth (as you do such a fine job of) and leave it up to that person’s free will to choose what to believe”. To be more specific, to debate seems to only interfere with the Spirit working. (Just my opinion as you already know).
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. NKJV
SirDent , you did an excellent job of tying everything together in you compassionate conclusion.
Knowledge of the Word, humility and compassion are so important in our mission and you are a good example.
Thank you very much. ~ eddie
Very good explanation, it's so easy to take the words out if context and make it into something it is not. Thank-you!
Eddie, again, I rise up. Lev 19:32
Lots of comments while I was away from computer. I appreciate them all. I will answer them one at a time when I have more time. I thank God for all of you from the bottom of my heart for being such a blessing to me.
ASU, I really appreciate your comments and words of encouragement. It is true that everyone should read this hub and see where the Lord was coming from when He spoke those words. I had to check it all out for myself first also. I have been just as guilty as anyone else at times. I can only pray the Lord help me to do better.
Sciantel, I want you to know I appreciate your faithfulness more than you realize. It seems you have been commnenting on my hubs since I started out here.
Eddie, you are like a breathe of fresh air to me. I agree that debates don't get anything done except alienate people. I appreciate your honesty in the Word more than anything.
I aoppreciate the read and comment Embracing.
Bdazzler, thanks for the scripture reference. Lev 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.
if one isnt suppose to judge why are gays judged than,,,
Silly, I think you need to re-read this hub. It seems you may have missed parts of it.
I believe in judging, BUT in LOVE!! Being a Pastor/Counselor, you are faced with others needing help and answers! You must be prepared. It is not going to be on my hands to know what is right and wrong and not tell my brother or sister the truth. I have an obligation to spread the Gospel and the truth plays an important part of the Gospel, it is the Gospel! It really isn't wrong to judge but be careful the way you approach the situation. To gain a person trust is better than to hurt them! Remember only by grace that you are saved and put in position to help others. Do your best! The Holy Spirit will alway guide you when it is done in LOVE! Always pray before you proceed with your ministering. Great Hub my friend.
Thanks for the comment and encouragement Carlotta. I appreciate it very much.
I heard recently, that this is one of the most commonly quoted verses (by non-believers). It is interesting to me that "judgment" is such a sensitive issue with so many people.
I note you have participated in the religion forum, and know, that it is often referred to. (being judgmental etc.) However objectionable people find it, there is no escaping it.
Sadly though, many have judged un-righteously, and hurt people. Let's keep LOVE, as the primary issue, (as stated above).
I agree aka-dj. we must judge righteously, as God does so in righteousness. I appreciate your comment very much. :)
This was a great topic one in which I myself have thought about addressing, but you brought it home, many times people do take scripture out of context and it is very important that we do not.
Very good and very true. it is easy to misinterpret and so many do that. You need to read beyond the words in front of you and read the whole story.
Thank you. It is nice to see someone put the truth out there! Many times judgement has been used falsly because of the scripture being used out of context. That is a problem with many scriptures. Much arguments could be avoided if the whole Chapter was read! Better the Whole Book! :)
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. I am far from perfect Kebennet. I have judged righteously at times, and also unrighteously. The truth is that even though ae are children of God, we are still human and prone to sin.
Great Hub! It is so important that we know the Word of God.
This is confirmation for me we are on the same page here. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you to proclaim HIS WORD. HIS TRUTH is marching on...
Very well done, this is a difficult topic but you did a fine job, i totally agree.
Fantastic Hub! Scripturally correct! I am happy to see these quotations (scriptures) explained to people so they can be used properly or not at all!
Deboorah, I appreciate your enthusiastic comment. I am glad we are on the same page also. Amos 3:3 Can two walik together except the be agreed?
Internpete, I appreciate your comment also. Enocouraging words are alway welcome.
Thank you so much Kebennett. I wrote this one after seeing the words Judge not lest you be judged about a million times in a few days here in the forums.
Another great hub.
I also believe judging is taken out of context.I believe we should judge with love for the other persons growth & benefit,not for our own gratification,to be looked upon by others as holy .But many people judge as they did the woman in the bible when they themselves had faults,not the same,but yet sin is sin to God.I believe before we open our mouths to judge/correct someone we need to look inside ourselves first.For the true hypocrite is one who acts a false part,a cheat,a deceiver,a pretender,someone who gives false impressions in regard to himself.He hopes to prosper through deceit.
Thank you for this wonderful eye opening hub..May God continue to bless you with wisdom.
Thank you very much Linda for the read and comment. You are right when saying we must first look inside ourselves before we open our mouths. We have all sinned and are all surrounded by sin.
Very true and insightful!! Very much like the old saying "What goes around comes around." and have found this to be painfully true. Peace n' Blessings! ~ K
time of God Jesus the holy spirit by all huamn birth for the here and now
SirDent, Good Hub! Nicely written and right on point. If we never judged any one we would never know who is in need of help or comfort. It is allways best when reading anything to keep things in context.
There are some "judgments" Christians ARE TO EXERCISE:
We are to judge ourselves:
Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
We are to judge those amongst us the profess Christ but live a wicked lifestyle:
"1 Corinthians 5:11-13 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
We are to judge matters dividing brother from brother:
"1 Corinthians 6:3-5 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"
We are to judge whether sound doctrine is being taught:
"1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."
"1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."
The real problem is NOT whether we should judge each other at all but rather, are we judging based on scriptural maturity and conduct?
Hope this helps.
We live in a punitive world. Those that use this particular verse and others like it, to aid their attacks on Christian speech, are accustomed to and concerned with the power and authority behind words. They worry what the kingdoms on earth are going to legislate and enforce.
I believe the message is completely personal. Yahshua did not go out and lead a rally to stop adultery or stonings. The law was still the law, and those enforcing it would still do it in other places at other times.
He only addressed the issue of adultery and stoning because it was brought before Him. His speech made the matter a purely personal decision and did not focus on the morality of either adultery or stoning. It was focused squarely on His mission, His gospel; Mercy. It did not involve social reform which is what many on both sides of the debate try to make it be.
The gospel is about personal reform - conversion one person at a time.
We are to preach, exhort and teach, in and out of season. Whether or not people choose to accept or disregard the things we say, is simply their own affair. We can plant and water - but we cannot make the seed grow.
Good hub.
Sir Dent,
This is a wonderful hub that is bursting with wisdom.
One must know the significant importance of judging righteously. We must seek to be able to discern if something is of God! Too many are deceived.
In regards to the woman being caught in adultery; where was the man? Why was he not there too? You made a good point bringing out the fact that these were the same men that had been looking for ways to discredit Jesus... He knew all what they were thinking. No wonder they all walked away as He wrote on the ground.
Yes we are to judge but righteously and contend for the Faith. "Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus."
And yes, there is no fellowship between darkness and LIGHT!
Thank you for sharing this powerful, enlightening insight!
Blessings
You wrote absolutely write in the context of not judging. Of course the Pharisees knew the woman and of course they did on purpose to bring her to Jesus to test him. yet again.
So one cannot judge the others actions..without first looking at your own.
Good Article
viralprospector says:
12 months ago
SirDent;
Awesome hub, as usual!
There is understanding in the words you wrote. Many times, people use the Bible falsely to prove an incorrect point. The idea of examining not only the adjoining scriptures, but also the entire Bible, through intense study is outstanding. Thanks for bringing clarity to these examples.