Does the Bible teach, “Do Not Judge” (Conclusion)

Jesus did not teach, “Do not judge.” Jesus taught, “Don’t judge as a hypocrite!” He said,    “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Hypocritical judgment is wrong. Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5). When we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves. Paul says, “Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things” (Romans 2:1). Avoiding hypocrisy in judging is what Jesus prohibits. The core idea is to be an example of righteousness rather than a hypocritical judge. Not being hypocritical helps ensure that when one does judge someone else, it comes from a place of genuine concern rather than a condescending or self-righteous attitude. Stop hypercritically judging others, in order that you may not be the recipient of similar judgment. Why? Because such judgment is harsh, self-righteous, lacking in mercy, and short on God’s kind of love. Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor