John 7:24 — “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
Introduction
Judgment is an unavoidable part of human interaction. Every Christian faces daily decisions requiring discernment, evaluation, and sometimes confrontation. Yet Scripture draws a clear line between righteous judgment—rooted in God’s truth and humility—and wrongful judgment, which flows from pride, assumption, and hypocrisy. The Lord calls His people to exercise spiritual discernment while rejecting the fleshly tendency to condemn others unjustly. This paper explores the biblical doctrine of judgment, what righteous judgment is, what wrongful judgment looks like, and the consequences tied to both.
What the Bible Means by Judgment
The word “judge” in Scripture carries several meanings, including to discern, to decide, to evaluate, and to pronounce a conclusion. The Lord does not forbid all forms of judgment. Rather, He warns against the wrong kind of judgment while commanding His people to embrace the right kind.
Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). This passage is often misunderstood as a command to avoid all judgment. Yet only moments later, Jesus instructs believers to identify false prophets (Matthew 7:15–20), something that requires evaluation.
The issue is not judgment itself—it is the heart and method behind it.
Wrongful Judgment
Wrongful judgment takes many forms in Scripture:
Judgment Based on Appearance
Jesus explicitly condemns judging “according to the appearance” (John 7:24). This includes assumptions, superficial evaluation, and conclusions drawn without full knowledge.
Hypocritical Judgment
Christ warned, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye” (Matthew 7:5).
Wrongful judgment is often rooted in hypocrisy—a person condemning another while excusing their own sin.
Judgment Without Mercy
James writes, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy” (James 2:13).
When a believer judges others harshly, unkindly, or without compassion, they step outside the character of Christ.
Judgment Based on Personal Preference or Tradition
The Pharisees were guilty of condemning others based on their own traditions (Mark 7:6–9).
To judge someone by standards God has not set is to exalt human authority above divine truth.
Self-Righteous Judgment
The Pharisee in Luke 18:9–14 “trusted in himself that he was righteous.”
This spirit breeds condemnation, pride, and spiritual blindness.
The Consequences of Wrongful Judgment
Scripture reveals several serious consequences:
We Come Under God’s Judgment
Jesus said, “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” (Matthew 7:2).
God measures back to us the same spirit we extend to others.
It Damages Relationships and Divides the Body
Proverbs warns, “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends” (Proverbs 17:9).
Wrongful judgment destroys unity within families, churches, and friendships.
We Blind Ourselves to Our Own Sin
Hypocritical judgment prevents spiritual growth (Matthew 7:3–5).
When we magnify the faults of others, we ignore our own spiritual needs.
It Leads to Condemnation Instead of Restoration
Galatians 6:1 commands believers to restore the fallen “in the spirit of meekness,” not condemnation.
Wrongful judgment offers no path for healing—only criticism.
It Aligns Us with the Accuser Rather Than the Savior
Revelation 12:10 calls Satan “the accuser of our brethren.”
When we condemn unjustly, we mirror the enemy’s work rather than Christ’s mercy.
Righteous Judgment
Righteous judgment is the kind of judgment God commands His people to exercise.
Judgment Rooted in God’s Word
Isaiah declares, “To the law and to the testimony” (Isaiah 8:20).
Righteous judgment is based not on personal standards but on the written Word of God.
Judgment Guided by the Holy Spirit
Believers must judge spiritual matters spiritually (1 Corinthians 2:15).
This is discernment—not suspicion, and not carnal analysis.
Judgment Done in Humility
Jesus emphasizes removing “the beam” from our own eyes first (Matthew 7:5).
Righteous judgment begins with self-examination.
Judgment for the Purpose of Restoration
Biblical judgment aims to heal, correct, and rescue the fallen (Galatians 6:1).
It is motivated by love, not superiority.
Judgment Marked by Mercy and Truth
David writes, “Mercy and truth are met together” (Psalm 85:10).
Righteous judgment holds both truth and compassion in perfect balance.
The Consequences of Righteous Judgment
When believers judge righteously, blessings follow:
Spiritual Protection
Discernment guards the believer from error, deception, and wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15–20).
Church Purity and Strength
Paul required the church to exercise righteous judgment for the sake of holiness (1 Corinthians 5:12–13).
Restoration of the Fallen
Righteous judgment rescues the wandering and brings back the broken (James 5:19–20).
Personal Spiritual Growth
Humility-driven judgment forces believers to confront their own hearts (Matthew 7:5).
Alignment With God’s Character
God Himself judges in righteousness (Psalm 96:13).
When we judge rightly, we reflect His nature.
Conclusion
The Bible does not forbid judgment—it defines it. Wrongful judgment flows from a sinful heart, rooted in pride, superficiality, and condemnation. Its consequences are serious: broken relationships, spiritual blindness, and divine disapproval. But righteous judgment is a command from the Lord. It is anchored in Scripture, guided by humility, exercised through the Spirit, and carried out with mercy for the purpose of restoration.
The people of God are called to discern the times, expose darkness, uphold truth, and help their brothers and sisters walk faithfully. By rejecting wrongful judgment and embracing righteous judgment, Christians reflect the heart of Christ and advance the Kingdom of God with clarity, holiness, and compassion.