WHEN “JUDGE NOT” IS NOT BIBLICAL

FTA: First, it is important to understand Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” The untaught love to throw this little sound bite around as if it were an all-sufficient Bible argument to end all criticism or judgment. When it is used against public preaching and teaching, you know you have met another religious novice. The only reason most can remember it is because it is only seven words long. Do they really think these seven words overthrow the rest of the Bible?

This rule must be understood in its context and in light of the rest of Scripture. For example, just five verses later, Jesus Himself told us to judge some men as dogs and pigs and keep the truth from them (Matt 7:6). Wow! Judge not, huh? For example, Jesus told us to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). And the whole context of the statement itself, the Sermon on the Mount, is His condemning judgment of the Pharisee’s religion from start to finish (Matt 5:20; 7:28-29).

Read more here: Why do You Judge Others?