Knowledge and Judging

Judging is forbidden in the Scriptures (see Matt. 7.1). Under no circumstances should God's saints criticize. Too many Christians nowadays become their brothers' judges. We frequently hear that Christians are most critical. This seems to be a common disease among today's believers. We should ask the Lord to set watches over our mouths.

Judging is connected with man's knowledge. He who knows little tends to judge more. And he whose mind is too clear is also prone to judge. Anyone who judges quickly based on hearsay without knowing the real situation is thoughtless. Everybody has his secret. How can we possibly know all? It is very unfair to criticize before knowing all things. Let us not judge others, since we do not have the full facts. Even if we seem to possess full knowledge, we still have the possibility of some misunderstanding somewhere. Always remember how sorrowful you are when you are misunderstood and unjustly judged. Recall the untold pains of your own heart, for the people who judged you were those who also thought they had all the facts. Who knows but what there are still hidden causes. If you too have suffered under another's judging, why do you too give sufferings to other people?

Alas, oftentimes Bible knowledge aids criticism. The more head knowledge, the severer the judging. What does it profit a man to have such kind of knowledge? What is gathered from books and collected in the brain are often used as criteria for making criticism. The clearer a person is in Bible doctrines, the sterner may be his criticism of others.

The Lord has not appointed us as judges. He who judges shall be judged at the judgment seat of Christ. He who takes pleasure in censuring others without first examining himself will not be accepted by God. Let us never try to tell others God's will, for He himself shall lead them. Since God is able to lead you, He is well able to lead them too. You should not condemn your brother because he does what you disapprove of as definitely not being God's will. God is responsible for judging that brother's works and deeds. You need not hold yourself responsible.

Frequently God has already forgiven, but men are still condemning. It would appear as though men are more righteous than God! May we not fall into such error. If the Lord is patient with a brother, why can we not be patient? Let us not uncover in another the transgression which God himself has already covered. What good will it be to continue to denounce people? It does not edify men, and it is harmful to our own self, for we forget how gracious God has treated us.

In this difficult time, what the children of God need is not your criticism but your tender love. Do not aggravate their tears and pains by the untoward use of your knowledge. May we use the wine of joy and the oil of the Holy Spirit to bind up the wounds of our neighbors. May we comfort instead of judge people.