By: Brian Harris
Colliding truths are always fascinating, and here is a striking example: we are not supposed to judge others, yet exercising good judgment is essential for living wisely. Should we act as moral watchdogs, scrutinising the behaviour and lifestyles of others?
Or should we adopt a live and let live posture, generously accepting differences with lines like “It takes all sorts” or “If it works for you, that’s fine”?
Those who favour disinterest often quote Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1–2: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged… with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Taken literally, this might seem to require us to imitate the three wise monkeys—see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil—even when a neighbour enters an adulterous affair, drives drunk, or abuses their family. But is silence really acceptable? When does silence become irresponsible? When does it enable harm? Surely some things must be judged.
Judging vs. Right Judgment
Although Jesus forbids judging in Matthew 7, he also instructs in John 7:24: “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” This invites a distinction between judging and right judgment.
To judge others is to assume a position we cannot legitimately claim. Judging presumes we have full access to motives, histories, wounds, and intentions—knowledge only God possesses. Humans operate with assumptions, many of them wrong. Most of us have had the experience of criticising or dismissing someone, only to later discover something that reframes their story entirely.
There is an old saying: “To know all is to forgive all.” While not always true, it often is—and even when it isn’t, Jesus’ words remind us that all of us need forgiveness. When we are outraged by another person, are we forgetting the shadow within ourselves?
The Nature of Right Judgment
Right judgment does not evaluate someone’s intrinsic moral worth. Instead, it assesses the probable outcomes of certain actions. Recognising that someone is on an unhealthy path is wisdom, not condemnation. And wisdom includes discerning whether it is appropriate to share that insight.
Many of us have been helped by someone saying, “I’m a little worried about you. If you keep doing this, you may burn out, become jaded, or hurt others.” Such comments are judgments in one sense, but not condemnations—they are expressions of care.
Jesus also insists that right judgment refuses to be deceived by mere appearances. In John 7, his critics accused him of violating Sabbath law. Superficially, the accusation made sense, but a deeper look revealed that he was actually honouring the law’s true intent.
Curiosity, Compassion, and Asking the Deeper Questions
Right judgment begins with the question, “What really matters here?” Behind every biblical instruction lies a purpose—a “why”—and we are invited to explore it humbly. We may misunderstand at times, but curiosity itself is part of wisdom.
Right judgment often leads to compassion. Instead of reacting with, “What a disgusting person,” we may perceive hidden pain—unmet potential, learned patterns, or a life without healthy models. Sometimes right judgment places a responsibility upon us: to help someone toward the life God intends, offering a picture of possibility rather than condemnation.
The Spirit’s Role in Conviction
In John 16:8, Jesus describes the Spirit’s role: to convict the world of sin. This is profoundly freeing—we are not the Spirit. Yet Christians sometimes act as though it is their duty to convict others, explaining, “The stakes are high; they need to repent.” But Jesus points to another way.
In John 13:34–35, he commands his followers to love in such a distinctive way that the world recognises them as his disciples. When people see genuine Christ-like love, the Spirit does what only the Spirit can do—awakening hunger for God, convicting hearts, and inspiring transformation. Many of us have discovered that God often convicts us first—especially of pride, harshness, or a lack of perceptive love.
Living with Right Judgment
As you enter a new week, hear Jesus’ invitation: judge not… but use right judgment. Right judgment refuses to be fooled by appearances, asks curious questions, is shaped by love, and remembers its own shadow. It gratefully acknowledges that God is God—and watches as the Spirit works in the world.
Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.
About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.
Feature image: Canva
