Who or what gives you the right to Judge others?

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   CloudExplorerposted 12 years ago

   Who or what gives you the right to Judge others?
   
   Playing the judge and jury game goes on in this life, and in our reality no matter whom we may assume we are, who we think we may be, or whatever we become. Judging others isn't an advisable thing to do, but some folks never learn. (What's your thoughts on the matter, feel free to answer this question in the format of a hub, but please do use the answer section here to do so.)
   
   

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   carol7777posted 12 years ago

   what a thought provoking question.  However we all tend to judge others by what we feel is right and just..and when people fall out of our personal script...we judge them.  However, we never know what caused their behavior.

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   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   I feel as though it is not our place to judge anyone at anytime. Like the bible says, “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? I think this says it all.

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      MickSposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yep, sure does, as does - judge not, lest you be judged also, and found wanting, or words to that effect.  Matthew, I think?

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      CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you JThompson, and I also agree with that of the Bibles teachings even though I'm a spiritual dude, and only follow nature and Gods laws he lays down for it all.

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   MickSposted 12 years ago

   Nothing.  We are all quick to look at the failings of others, yet fail to look at ourselves, the root of failings.

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   bravewarriorposted 12 years ago

   Mike, no one on this earth should be judge and jury (unless sitting on a jury!).  That's exactly why I wrote a hub about my rape(s) experience.  I had been judged by a fellow hubber and felt the need to completely expose myself.  It infuriated me that I was accused of things without this person having a single inkling as to who I am and what I've overcome to get here!

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      CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I feel what your saying Brave, yup I been prejudged many times and it is quite frustrating indeed. Thanks for supplying a truthful answer and a good one at that.

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      WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Truth is we judge all the time. I think the only problem is that we sometimes judge, based on our emotions, not on facts. Brave, I believe the blogger infuriated you, not because he/she judged, but because you disagree with his conclusion, right?

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   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   No individual has the right to judge and hand down punishment. Everyone has the right to an opinion and when appropriate to offer a suggestion or observation. The appropriate time or manner to do this will be a personal decision and may not always be exercised--because the issue may be none of your business.
   
   Our legal system provides for a system to select people to judge the guilt or innocence of a person regarding criminal acts. Judges have the authority to decide civil matters and some criminal matters. Laws and penalty guidelines are written by legislative bodies elected by the people.
   
   From a spiritual standpoint, no human can judge another. They can have opinions. They do not have to like or associate with that person, but judgment is left to God.

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      celafoeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      many people dont understand that disagreeing with them or pointing out error in what they say or do is not judging them, only their actions, but to those people everthing negative is taken as a personal attack.

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   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   My judgement of others is an opinion. And a lot of people in America value another's opinion until it is something negative about a friend or them. But what gives us the right to judge? Nothing. Just us thinking others want our opinions. A fact of pride.

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   Theophanesposted 12 years ago

   Nothing, that is why I try my best not to, although part of your questions does peak my curiosity. You claim judging people is a good thing and some people never learn? This makes me think what you're judging is how much of a threat an individual is to your life - and whether or not to be around them. This is a different matter entirely. If for instance I am walking down a dark street and a see a guy who might harm me I'm probably not going to go near him. This isn't judging a person so much as it is judging a situation (and that person's part in it.) When it comes to personal safety (as well as emotional safety) this is indeed an important part of our lives. Otherwise judging should be left at a minimum.

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      CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You misread my explanation of the question, you might wanna read it again Theophanes. I never said that judging people is good, actually I stated quite the opposite up above. It's OK though, while reading stuff many of us make such errors.

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      dorothy0328posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nicely put Judging a situation is totally different then judging a person as a person.

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   midget38posted 12 years ago

   This is thought provoking indeed. I believe that we should not impose our moral standards on others...yet, there are extreme cases where we have to.  I think it depends on the situation.

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    WalterPoonposted 12 years ago

    I think we have the right to judge others when they affect our lives. Tell me how should I vote in an election, if I don't judge the candidates? Alternatively, how do you know that the other person is not taking you for a ride or trying to cheat you if you don't judge? We judge everyday...

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       CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I'm not sure if that can be considered a good example of placing judgement on others WalterPoon. We do have the right to decide who we should vote for I agree, but is that placing judgement? I do understand though what you mean with your answer.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       CloudExplorer... so can you give a good example of placing judgement on others? I am not an American citizen... supposing I say: "Obama is not a good president because of blah, blah, blah." Is that considered wrong?

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    Vikas Gulatiposted 12 years ago

    I think its very difficult to judge others because in my point of view nothing is right and wrong, its our perspective to think.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I can't get your point... you mean murder, corruption, and robbery is neither right nor wrong? I agree that some cases are borderline and it's hard to judge, but there are obvious cases of black and white.

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       john.jacksonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       We only deem murder, corruption and robbery wrong to protect ourselves and those around us. We do not judge the lion who kills an antelope.

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       CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I must agree with Walterpoon, there are definite exceptions to the rule, where certain things in this life are definitively wrong, and others are seen as right. Relativistic view is involved for sure, but yup I agree with him. Nice try though Vikas.

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       Vikas Gulatiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I think the deeds which are wrong as WalterPoon mentioned "murder, corruption, and robbery" no need to judge, these are universally wrong.  I am talking about the deeds which needs to judge and can be right or wrong.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Vikas Gulati, I agree with you only to the extent that the act has already been judged as murder, corruption, and robbery. What looks like murder can be manslaughter or suicide, right? ... in which case, you still have to judge.

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    john.jacksonposted 12 years ago

    I think it's in our nature to judge others - a kind of defence mechanism. We tend to be more willing to communicate with those who act more like us because we deem them to be safe. However, when we are faced with those who act against what we perceive to be acceptable, our mind tells us to avoid or get rid of that person (on a very basic level). I guess it's an important feature of society and civilisation that many have learned to suppress such judgements or blind ourselves to these fairly outdated instincts.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I don't think it is an outdated instinct. Without the ability to judge others, we may take a thief for a friend or regret confiding with the wrong people. I don't see why there is so much hangups about being judgemental, as long as we are fair.

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       john.jacksonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Haha yes, I was careful to make sure I placed the word 'fairly' in front of 'outdated'. There are situations in our day to day life where our judgements save us from serious injury or loss, but in terms of social situations they're not as important.

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       CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with your answer and it's definitely a well thought out good one indeed. Thanks John, for sharing your thought on this very question. Human nature is no joke! and we do tend to sway in many directions at times, and placing judgement is one.

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    dashingscorpioposted 12 years ago

    You have the right to form your own opinions about anything and anyone. You don't need anyone's "permission" to do so. Your thoughts are (your own). As long as one is not trying to "control" another person or stop them from their right to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

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       CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Not sure if an opinion is a judgement Dashingscorpio, but I get what your getting at though. We make up our own mind on things. Your right about that, but placing judgement can and has produced some excruciatingly harsh results when directed by some.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       CloudExplorer, opinion is based on judgment, no? Some people feel and express their opinion. I need hard facts before I can conclude. But of course, if I say I prefer beef to mutton, that's not based on facts but based on my tongue.

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       dashingscorpioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       CloudExplorer, I believe if you look up synonyms for the word "opinion" you will find words such as (view, estimation, and "judgment") When someone observes another or (sizes them up) and forms their opinion about them they're judging them. :-)

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    ocbillposted 12 years ago

    I agree you should never judge someone even if you believe a crime being committed. Police officers do it though and are wrong sometimes. A neighbor reported that his neighbor was waving a gun on the building staircase with his friends. The police surrounded the apartment unit and saw the guy waving a gun around, did not announce themselves, and shot him dead. It turns out the gun was a water hose gun you use to spray the lawn. And no, this was not in a bad neighborhood, nor was the victim a minority.
    Sometimes people think the guy who is approaching you in a store or parking lot could rob you when all they want to do is buy something. In fact, they may be better off than you but from their clothes they wear you think otherwise. Profiling is just wrong.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You come out of a bank with $10,000 in cash.... someone is tailing you. Don't judge him, right? Because profiling is wrong. Just believe that he may be better off than you, right? How about AFTER he robs you? Are you allowed to judge now?

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    dorothy0328posted 12 years ago

    Well I have a very strong opinion on that subject myself I don't feel the need to judge someone based or their race, religion, looks, weight or any other means. My personal feelings towards those that do are that they are small minded. If you see a person in torn up work clothes or at a food bank getting food does that give you the right to judge them as a drug addict or drunk NO it does not and you may be so far from the truth it's not funny. I worked as a carnival worker when I was younger and believe me I encountered my share of people who are judgemental and it's just not fair. I believe there is some kind of good in everyone no matter who they or where they come from no matter if they are white or black, handicapped or normal, whether it be that they are selfless, caring, funny, giving, helpful and many other good human qualities there is something good about each and every person walking this planet. I bet even people like Charles Manson have at least one good quality. In short being judgemental is rediculious and petty and you should stop and think is that bum on the corner just a junkie or is he a man who may be a veteran, lost his home and or his job and is struggling just to eat. As the old saying goes you cannot judge a book by it's cover it's whats inside that makes the difference and more people need to think that way. The world may be a better place if people were a little less judgemental.

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    MichaelJohnMeleposted 12 years ago

    Nothing gives us the right...we are all sinners and no better than anyone else...we should all keep our mouths shut and focus on cleaning up our own backyard before we try to tell others how to clean up theirs.
    
    Not try to hate...just being honest.
    
    MJM

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    PlanksandNailsposted 12 years ago

    An opinion is not a judgement because it is based on someone's personal feelings about something.
    A judgement is a decision based on a standard which does not change no matter how someone may feel about it. There are a lot of people who are in prison that feel that they are innocent, but the standard of the law says otherwise.
    If there is no standard to apply a judgement, then it is just relative opinion. An opinion is not a judgement because it is based on someone's personal feelings on the matter.
    Judging can be right when using a proper standard to weigh and test the evidence, but wrong based on emotional reasoning. Facts and evidence should always supersede feelings.
    
    By saying that judging others is not advisable is making a judgement that judging others is not advisable.
    
    By what standard are you using to make that judgement?
    
    Judging can be morally wrong, but can be morally right within proper context.
    
    According to the Christian paradigm there are distinctions that must be made first before judging someone.
    
    Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. - John 7:24
    
    According to the standard of Scripture, God has given His followers the right to practice Biblical judgement. For example, exposing false teachers, error, and naming names of those who corrupt God Word and His standards is not a sin.
    
    When people say that you are judging them and using the famous, "judge not lest ye be judged" saying when exposing sin within the church sphere is simply sloppy theology.
    
    Those who cannot, or unwilling to discerning between what is good or evil is a sign of disobedience, or lack of knowledge on Biblical principles.
    
    "Who or what gives you the right to Judge others?" depends on the context on what is being judged and the standard that is used to judge.
    
    Most rely on their emotions to judge others which is a faulty standard to use.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Are you sure that "an opinion is not a judgement because it is based on someone's personal feelings about something"? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "opinion" as "a view, JUDGMENT, or APPRAISAL formed in the mind about a particular matter".

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       PlanksandNailsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That was my opinion based on my personal feelings on the matter. Are you saying that my opinion is a judgement instead?

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.” ― Harlan Ellison

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       PlanksandNailsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation. - Oscar Wilde

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    avneet sidhuposted 12 years ago

    Judging others in a reality show is OK but in real life - a big NO.. We are not supposed to judge anyone and interfere in others life until and unless asked to do so. No one has the right to judge anyone but sometimes we judge - not people but the situation.. We have the right to judge the situation for what is good or bad for us.. not the people. I would like to add that we should not take things for granted - be it money or relations.. We should learn to respect, to love but not to judge..
    Thanks

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    Express10posted 12 years ago

    In cases of protecting yourself physically and mentally, it is important to use proper judgement. By doing so, you may be able to prevent or avoid dangers to yourself and/or your friends or loved ones. Otherwise, there isn't reason to be judgmental. However, you'll likely find that most often people that judge you are only doing so because they either have insecurity issues or are jealous and they want to feel superior to you. These types are so focused on others that their personal lives are often in disarray.

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       WalterPoonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I beg to disagree with your last 2 sentences. I think other people also judge you for the same reasons that you judge others. Nevertheless, to the extent that you are referring to gossipers who judge you for no reason, I agree totally with you.

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       Express10posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I am a woman and have seen judgmental types since I was a child. My last 2 sentences refer to my life experience with gossipers and "haters" as well as hearing others personal experiences with them which I thought went without saying.

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       CloudExplorerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you on all fronts Express10, great answer here and i will add it to my Youtube series I got started for these Q&A's I'm participating in here on Hubpages. Plus I'll be adding a link back to your location for crediting your answer. Ni

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    taburkettposted 12 years ago

    I do not judge but invoke God's law through the ability to truthfully comprehend the actions of others.

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