Introduction
     People today find it very easy to label or judge people who are different then they are. Judging can be good or bad, but for clarity, let’s first look at the bad side of judging others. We should keep the following Scripture in mind while doing it:
    But I say unto you, “That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, ‘Thou fool,’ shall be in danger of hell fire,” Matthew 5:22. (The King James Version 1900 used unless otherwise noted.)
    Speaking of the word “Raca,” Robertson’s Word Pictures says, “…probably an Aramaic word meaning, ‘empty,’ a frequent word for contempt.”
  The underlying Greek word for “Thou fool” is “moros” from which we get the word “moron.”
    As we grow up, our parents may actually teach us to judge people in a negative way and to call them names. Parents who openly express negative judgments about others in front of a child are setting up that child to be critical of others. After all, “mom and dad do it,” a growing mind thinks.
    A parent’s example is one of the strongest teaching guides in determining how one will mature and grow. But there are other factors too, such as one’s friends while growing up. Movies, books, and music can also influence what we become. Many songs today contain messages of hate, lust, and improper attitudes toward others. We need to be aware of these influences on our own attitudes and behavior.
    As we seek Biblical understanding on the subject of judging, we find that our Master Yahshua tells us, in Matthew 7:1, Judge not, that ye be not judged. What does that mean, though? Can we understand all the ramifications this implies?
    You’ve probably witnessed this law in action: A person is critical of someone else and labels him or her with a name that he or she thinks is appropriate based on something they did. Then, that person turns around and does the same thing, thereby making others wonder or even judge this person with the same measure. Often a label like “hypocrite” will also be added.
    Looking further into Matthew chapter 7, we read in verse 2, For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again, Matthew 7:2. This is quite straightforward and should always be in mind when one thinks or talks about others.
    In Robertson’s Word Pictures we find the following explanation for the first two words used in 7:1 of Matthew: “Judge not (mê krinete). The habit of censoriousness, sharp, unjust criticism. Our word ‘critic’ is from this very word. It means to separate, distinguish, and discriminate. That is necessary, but prejudice (prejudgment) is unfair, captious criticism.”

Do You Judge Others?
      Do you judge others? Do others judge you? We all are guilty, aren’t we? For example, a woman in a department store who looked like she was ready to check out after shopping looked around and put all that she was carrying down onto some display in one big pile. It seemed like she had gotten impatient and walked out. A minute later, she was back with a cart and picked up all the items and put them into the cart, and continued her shopping. She had thought of some other items she needed.
    Do you do things that would cause people to judge you? An important Scripture regarding avoidance of others’ judgments is the following: Abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22. This would mean more than just getting a shopping cart first before you proceed to shop, of course. It would mean not having an appearance of sin, such as dressing inappropriately in provocative attire or letting children run around in an unruly manner in formal settings.
    It’s not only important to be obedient to our Heavenly Father, but also to not even show a hint of disobedience in our lives. For example, there was once a minister who owned a “chopper,” a fully customized motorcycle with a flame job, extended forks, and a high backrest. What would you associate with a chopper? Would it be rebellion, perhaps, or maybe a motorcycle gang? This minister came to see the light of 1 Thessalonians 5:22 and decided to do something about it … he sold it.
    Sometimes when we judge others, it can be with a pompous attitude. With human nature, influenced by Satan’s spirit, it can actually feel good to put someone down and to judge. We feel dominant somehow, and judging someone gives us authority, or so it would seem. We read, For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man, John 5:26-27.
    Real authority comes from above and is in Yahshua Messiah, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. John 5:22.

Judging Ourselves?
     Apostle Paul, when giving instruction to the Corinthians on a number of issues, said concerning Passover, in 1 Corinthians 11:28-32, But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Master’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Master, that we should not be condemned with the world.
    The word “judge” used here is Strong’s #1252 Greek word: “diakrino” {dee-ak-ree’-no}, which means to make a distinction or discriminate. It basically means to determine, give judgment, or decide a dispute.
    The word “judge” used in the previous Scriptures is either Strong’s #8199 Hebrew word: “shaphat” {shaw-fat’} or Strong’s #2919 Greek word: “krino” {kree’-no}. Both words can mean discern or condemn, depending on the context. For example, discern might be meant here, Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Psalms 58:1.
     The word condemn may be used here: Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations, Ezekiel 7:8. The word condemn is a powerful word, but yet some in the world ‒ without good reason ‒ are guilty of having “condemned” (judged) people in their thoughts, words, and even actions.
    Both “discern” and “condemn” might be used here: If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked, Deuteronomy 25:1.
    So, when we talk of judging ourselves, we’re not to condemn ourselves but decide to do what is right, judging or discerning ourselves, each individually. Yahweh’s Spirit is given so that we receive some help in judging ourselves.
     Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on Me; Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged, John 16:7-11.

Judging Those in The Faith?
     In describing how silly it was to judge a person, because he or she is a vegetarian (Rom. 14:2-3, see our booklet Yahweh’s Food Laws to find out why they were eating only vegetables), or upon the day(s) one decided to fast (Rom. 14:5-6), the Apostle Paul goes on to say in Romans 14:10, But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Messiah.
    Judging someone because they choose one day over another for fasting, whether it’s once a month or even twice a week (see Luke 18:12), is just plain silly, but yet that’s what some were doing. We’re told not to do such things because they are not the right attitude we are to have:
    Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge (condemn) another? James 4:11-12, NKJV.
    If you find yourself confronted with a situation where someone has offended you, perhaps you have witnessed something that is clearly a sin in a fellow brother or sister, then we have clear instructions on what to do:
    Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the assembly: but if he neglect to hear the assembly, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican, Matthew 18:15-17.
    This is a process that works. But keep in mind when going to a brother or sister to discuss something like this that it’s better to begin with “I” instead of “you.” Have your dialogue planned out ahead of time, and be levelheaded with your emotions under control. Let the person know you’re not there to condemn.
    Saying, “I understand” is much better than saying, “You have a problem.” You should put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their situation. Otherwise, you will be condemning the person from the onset, though evidence of criminal actions rather than civil may need a direct approach with law enforcement.
     Studying and learning what the Scriptures say about judging people is very important. The Bible gives us relationship skills that we need to use.
    From the following verse, we can see that we need to be judging ourselves a little more, rather than judging others. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3, NKJV.
    In considering our own shortfalls, we will be better able to have love and compassion when dealing with others. And isn’t this what we want from our Heavenly Father Yahweh? We should then have these same things in abundance for others. Not condemning, but rather discerning rightly, when we think and look at others.

Benefits of Being Judged
     When someone’s situation is judged (discerned) to not be in line with Yahweh’s Word, a guide for all of us (2 Tim. 3:16-17), it’s an opportunity for growth.
    Having one’s shortcomings brought out is not the most comfortable of things to experience. Still, it is an experience, if dealt with appropriately, that can be the guidance for change in the right direction.
    Sometimes we can be unaware of ourselves, our actions, and how we may affect others. When approached, we can take objective information and humbly and prayerfully consider how imperfect we are and how we can take steps to improve. With Yahweh’s help, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).
    It is important that we do not allow Satan to get to us and puff us up. Know that Satan was even able to get to King David, a man after Yahweh’s own heart:
    And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it,” 1 Chronicles 21:1-2.
    Yahweh, many times over, will give us ways out of things so that we don’t fall into sin. Joab was an individual who knew what King David was about to do and knew that Yahweh would not be pleased. Joab judged King David’s words and went to him, but King David did not listen to reason, and as we will see, he suffered because of it.
    And Joab answered, “YAHWEH make His people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my master the king, are they not all my master’s servants? why then doth my master require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?” Nevertheless the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem, 1 Chronicles 21:3-4.
    Joab was humble toward King David and repeatedly admitted that he was his servant by calling him master. His approach to King David was good, but King David, as we’ve already seen, didn’t take the advice.
    The punishment against King David for allowing Satan to move him was a pestilence that killed 70,000 people. David would have benefited greatly if he had humbly considered the advice of Joab, something which he evidently didn’t do.
    The lesson for us is to take sage advice when someone is correctly judging our situation. We must rely on the Spirit of Yahweh, Who may move someone to judge us so that we might stop and judge ourselves and change for the better. We all need to work together, and that will include, at times, judging and being judged.
    Just remember that we are to be humble people, not condemning anyone, but rather discerning.