IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 1

 IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE? Part 1

   2Timothy [ESV] 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

  Reading and studying Scripture contextually is essential to edification of self and others.

  Does God’s Word say it’s wrong to judge?

  This is a topic that deeply troubled me decades ago and resulted in the observation (judgment) by a mentor that I needed to cease fretting and do a Bible study on the matter.

  To answer the title question: Yes and no, depending on our position, in particular whether our motive is ego-centric or the godly interest in Biblical maturation in God’s John 1:12 family. In studying God’s Word, I discovered that godly judgment is not only proper, it is a positive duty in truly loving one another in Christ-like manner. The Lord Jesus Christ commanded “judge righteous judgment.” (Jn.7:24) Using Strong’s I go to examine the Greek text one word at a time.

·         “judge” G2919 κρίνω; krinō; kree'-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

·         “righteous” G1342 δίκαιος; dikaios; dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): - just, meet, right (-eous).

·         “judgment” G2920 κρίσις; krisis; kree'-sis (Subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment.

  And who and what was Jesus urging them to judge. Reading verse 24 in context He was pointing out the Jesus’ Way. (Jn.14:6) We are to begin with judging self and repenting before we can consider helpfully judging any others with constructive righteous judgment! This coincides with Jesus’ exhortation recorded by Matthew. As always when reading Scripture, keep in mind that man later  inserted chapter and verse divisions – Jesus was not segueing to a totally different subject from chapter 6 to 7. “… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 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.”

  So, yes, we are to judge, but never in wrong-hearted ego-centric manner. (Rom.12:1-3) And then only as we constructively seek first the kingdom of God. Kingdom first, me-first never “. . . this according to our earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing we shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in our body, whether it be by life, or by death. For us to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil.1:20-21)

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