The phrase “judge not” is often quoted from Matthew 7:1:
“Judge not, that you be not judged.”
However, this verse is frequently misunderstood. Jesus was not forbidding all forms of judgment, but warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. The context makes this clear:
“For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged… And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:2–3)
Jesus teaches that judgment must be done righteously and with humility. In verse 5 He says:
“First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
This confirms that correcting others is appropriate, but only after dealing with our own sin.
Biblical judgment is about discernment, not condemnation. John 7:24 says:
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Believers are called to judge doctrine (1 John 4:1), sin within the church (1 Corinthians 5:12), and their own behavior (1 Corinthians 11:31). What Scripture forbids is a proud, critical spirit that tears others down without love or self-examination.
Romans 14:10 reminds us:
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
Christians are to restore others gently, not harshly (Galatians 6:1). The goal is always repentance, restoration, and truth, not superiority.
To “judge not” is a command against hypocrisy, not against speaking truth in love. It demands humility, integrity, and alignment with God’s Word.
