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1 Bible verses for judging

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2 Bible verses against judging

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1 Bible verses for judging

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Proverbs 12,1

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1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

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Proverbs 10,17

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17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

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Psalm 141,5

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5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

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Proverbs 27,6

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6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

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The word "judge" has various meanings in the Bible, including: to decide, to pronounce justice, to judge or condemn, to admonish or rebuke, to punish, or to determine a consequence. While some statements in Scripture warn against judging others, others seem to explicitly encourage it. Several aspects are important to consider here.

GOD's Word calls all believers to admonish one another. While admonition is often understood as something negative, in the Bible it has a fundamentally positive meaning. To admonish someone means to point them in the right direction. This can mean warning them of the negative consequences of their wrong actions. In this sense, spiritual admonition can be a path to life and protect people from ruin. The Holy Scriptures call those who accept admonition wise and prudent, while those who despise admonition are called foolish and stupid. Many perceive admonition as "unloving." In truth, however, it is an expression of love and a visible sign that a Christian cares about the well-being and the salvation of his fellow human beings.

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Leviticus 19,17

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17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

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GOD wants all Christians to see themselves as one family and to share their lives together. For this reason, believers bear responsibility for one another. This was already the case under the Old Covenant. No Christian has the right to evade their responsibility for their Brothers and sisters in faith. Anyone who sees their neighbor sinning is obligated to rebuke them. Anyone who fails to do so not only demonstrates indifference to their brother's fate, but also identifies with their sins. And anyone who fails to admonish their neighbor may be partly to blame if they fall into ruin because of his offense.

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The prophet Ezekiel was even expressly appointed by GOD as a watchman over Israel. His mission was to warn GOD's people and call them to repentance. This by no means means that only selected individuals—such as a prophet—are authorized to admonish others; apart from that, Ezekiel was one of the few among the people who still remained faithful to GOD. Rather, this example is intended to illustrate how important it is to GOD that all believers look out for one another.

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Matthew 18,15-17

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15 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. 16 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. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

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When a Christian sins against another, Jesus instructs the person concerned to first seek a private conversation with the offender. If the offender shows no remorse, additional witnesses and ultimately the entire congregation can be involved in clarifying the matter. If all attempts prove fruitless and the offender shows no remorse, they no longer need to be considered a Christian. Further disciplinary measures, such as expulsion from the religious community, may be necessary. Conversely, every Christian who sins against other members of the faith is called upon to reconcile with the person in question as soon as possible. This step should not be postponed under any circumstances.

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1st Corinthians 5,1-13

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1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (...) 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without GOD judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

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Since GOD is holy, His congregation should also be holy. Only in this way can the church set an example for non-believers. Anyone who intentionally sins or commits a serious sin must expect consequences. In cases of fornication or adultery, exclusion from the community is unavoidable, at least until the guilty party repents. Such a measure serves, on the one hand, to keep the congregation pure and protect it from spiritual decay. On the other hand, the person who committed the sin is given the opportunity to repent and cleanse their life. Even though the responsibility for such a decision lies primarily with the elders of the congregation, all believers are involved. Here, too, anyone who tolerates sin instead of rebuking their neighbor is complicit. Any church that tolerates blatant sin and false teachings instead of taking action against them should be avoided.

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2nd Corinthians 13,11

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11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the GOD of love and peace shall be with you.

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Galatians 6,1

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1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

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Colossians 3,16

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16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

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James 5,19 f.

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19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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GOD's Word explicitly calls believers to admonish and correct one another. This should always be done in love, gentleness, and wisdom; not from carnal motives such as pride or arrogance; nor from above, but at eye level. The goal is to win back one's neighbor and protect him from perdition. It is neither about being right nor about humiliating or hurting someone. Admonition can be general—through studying the Word—or specific—for example, through a personal conversation with the person in question. Those who admonish their brothers in a timely manner can prevent them from incurring even greater guilt or from falling away from GOD entirely, and thus protect them from eternal death. However, those who stand by and watch their neighbor sin run the risk of losing their brothers and being seduced themselves. Tolerating sin is therefore the exact opposite of love.

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2nd Timothy 3,16 f.

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16 All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

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The Bible is the basis for admonishing others. It is the standard by which we must measure our actions. Paul explains that the Holy Scriptures serve for teaching, exhortation, and instruction in GOD's righteousness. GOD's Word reveals GOD's will to us and helps us distinguish between right and wrong. For this reason, all believers are called to judge all things biblically and to examine them carefully to ensure that their lives and the lives of other Christians are in harmony with GOD's Word. When in doubt, we can always ask GOD for wisdom and insight.

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2nd Timothy 4,2

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2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

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Hebrews 13,17

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17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

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Every Christian denomination should have elders. They bear primary responsibility for the believers of the congregation they lead and must account for them before GOD. The primary task of the elders is to teach the believers the Word and guide them to a godly life. This also includes encouraging and, if necessary, admonishing them. They themselves must act as examples to the believers. Elders are obligated to ensure that the congregation remains holy and that everyone adheres to sound doctrine. Anyone who sins or entices others to sin must be rebuked and, if necessary, excluded from the community.

Believers, in turn, are called to recognize the authority of their spiritual leaders and submit to them in obedience. Anyone who defies the authority of an elder appointed by GOD—except where it is required, for example, when elders act in clear contradiction to the Word of GOD—may face consequences.

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1st Timothy 5,19 f.

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19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

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Elders are not exempt from reprimands, although they enjoy special protection. However, if an offense is confirmed by several witnesses, elders must also be reprimanded by other elders and, if necessary, other members of the congregation. Fundamentally, however, leaders should be blameless in all things, as they bear a greater responsibility before GOD than other believers and are therefore judged more strictly. Therefore, if an elder (willfully) sins or proclaims false doctrine, this can have serious consequences, both for themselves and for the congregation. Therefore, not every believer is suited to the ministry of a congregation leader.

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James 1,19 f.

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19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of GOD.

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James 3,17

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17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

 

 

 

In his letter, James explains that divine wisdom is demonstrated, among other things, by the ability to listen and accept advice and admonition. This requires humility and insight. Anger and stubbornness, on the other hand, are an expression of pride and unreason, as well as contempt for one's fellow believers. The early Christians were accustomed to admonishing one another and confessing their transgressions. Today, however, many are unwilling to question themselves or to be spoken to. Some believe they don't need correction. Others want to avoid having their sins confessed.

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Many believers are afraid to admonish their fellow believers for fear that the other person might feel hurt or that a friendship might be damaged. But these are all unfounded excuses. In truth, they are based on nothing more than fear of man or people-pleasing. Both are condemned in the Bible (Proverbs 29,25 / Luke 6,26). If someone does not accept GOD's Word as the standard for their life or does not act accordingly, there can be no fellowship. Secondly, a true friend is recognized by the fact that one can tell them everything openly, even uncomfortable things. Furthermore, Jesus showed that GOD's will must always prevail over any friendship. This means that a relationship should not prevent a Christian from correcting their brother when necessary. In principle, every believer has not only the right but also the duty to admonish their fellow believers in love at all times, regardless of how well they know each other. Personal sympathies also play a subordinate role in admonishing. In this context, a Christian does not need to ask their neighbor for permission or justify themselves to them for their rebuke.

 

Some excuse themselves by saying that it is not necessary to admonish them, since GOD can admonish them personally if necessary. It is important to note that GOD also speaks through believers. Those who are admonished are therefore called upon to listen and sincerely examine themselves before GOD. If their heart convicts them, they should confess their sin and change their attitude or behavior. In this way, guilt can be cleared and fellowship preserved. On the other hand, those who react with hurt or anger reveal that they are still carnally minded or lack the necessary spiritual maturity of a Christian. However, those who refuse to accept reasoned rebuke from a brother or sister must expect that GOD may personally judge him.

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2 Bible verses against judging

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Matthew 7,1-5

 

1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

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Romans 2,1-3

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1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of GOD is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of GOD?

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The statements of Jesus and Paul in no way contradict the previously quoted verses. Rather, they serve as a reminder of what every Christian should pay attention to when judging. Jesus does not forbid believers from admonishing one another in principle, but makes it clear that the right attitude of heart is crucial. These two quotations address the hypocrisy of people who condemn others while behaving the same way or worse themselves; as was the case, for example, with the scribes and Pharisees, who were arrogant and self-righteous while despising others. Jesus explains that every person should be at peace with GOD before pointing out others' sins, otherwise they may be subject to the same judgment. A guilty conscience can be an obstacle in this.

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​Romans 14,1-5 + 13

 

1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for GOD hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for GOD is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (…) 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

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This passage deals with the freedom of Christians regarding food and drink. Paul points out that it is important to eat all foods 1. in faith, i.e., with a clear conscience, 2. to the glory of GOD, and 3. with thanksgiving. At the same time, Paul admonishes believers not to judge one another thoughtlessly by dictating to others what someone may and may not eat or drink. A christian shouldn't make his fellow brothers feel guilty without reason, because this could damage the faith of those with weak faith. Rather, all believers should be considerate of one another and allow everyone the freedom to decide for themselves what to eat or drink. The New Testament teaches that believers are fundamentally allowed to eat anything. The only exceptions are strangled animals (carrion) and anything containing blood. If someone sins in this way, they should definitely be rebuked.

 

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​James 4,11 f.

 

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? 

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This quotation also does not prohibit admonition out of love. James calls believers to be humble and not to speak ill or disparagingly of anyone, as the Pharisees and scribes did, constantly blaspheming and criticizing others, simply to make themselves look good. Such behavior not only brings others into disrepute, but also testifies to a lack of love and an ungodly judgmental spirit that does not serve the edification of others, but in truth only serves the satisfaction of the flesh and one's own vanity. At the same time, James reminds us that GOD is the supreme Judge, who will ultimately pass judgment on every person. Whoever condemns his brother without cause, GOD will hold him accountable. This should be a warning to every christian not to judge anyone lightly or out of arrogance, but always to keep the good of others in mind when we admonish one another.

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