What Does the Bible Say About Judging Righteously?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible teaches to judge righteously, emphasizing fairness, truth, and compassion. While cautioning against hypocritical or harsh judgment, it encourages discernment and wise judgment based on God’s principles. It’s about looking beyond appearances and making judgments that align with God’s justice and love.

Curious about what the Bible says on making judgments? It’s a call to be fair, wise, and loving in our judgments, reflecting God’s character.

What Does the Bible Say About Judging Righteously?

Judging righteously is a significant theme in the Bible. It involves making fair and just decisions, guided by God’s principles.

Firstly, the Bible cautions against hypocritical judgment. Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament, “Judge not, that you be not judged,” is often cited in discussions about judgment. This doesn’t mean we should never make judgments; rather, it warns against judging others hypocritically or without self-awareness of one’s own faults.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of fair and truthful judgment. In the Old Testament, there are numerous instructions about judging fairly and not showing partiality. Leaders, in particular, are called to judge with righteousness, not swayed by external factors like wealth or status.

Another aspect of righteous judgment is compassion and understanding. The Bible teaches to consider the circumstances and intentions of others. This doesn’t excuse sin or wrongdoing, but it acknowledges our shared humanity and fallibility.

In addition, the Bible encourages using wisdom and discernment in judgment. This involves seeking God’s guidance and considering all aspects of a situation. The book of Proverbs, for example, is full of advice on how to make wise decisions.

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The New Testament also focuses on judging within the church community. It talks about addressing sin within the church, not with a spirit of condemnation, but with the goal of restoration and reconciliation.

Judging righteously, according to the Bible, is ultimately about reflecting God’s justice and love. It’s about making judgments that are aligned with His character – fair, truthful, compassionate, and wise.

Bible Verses About Judging Righteously

  1. Matthew 7:1-2 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This passage warns against hypocritical or harsh judgment.
  2. John 7:24 – “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Jesus emphasizes the importance of fair and just judgment rather than superficial assessments.
  3. Proverbs 31:9 – “Speak up, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This verse calls for judgment that upholds justice and compassion, especially for the marginalized.
  4. James 2:13 – “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James teaches the importance of mercy in our judgments.
  5. Leviticus 19:15 – “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” This Old Testament law emphasizes impartial and fair judgment.
  6. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 – “Do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world?… Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” Paul speaks about the responsibility of believers to exercise wise judgment.
  7. Proverbs 28:5 – “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.” This proverb links understanding justice with seeking God’s wisdom.
  8. Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse encapsulates the biblical approach to judgment – acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly.
  9. 2 Timothy 4:1 – “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” Paul’s instructions to Timothy highlight the balance of judgment with patience and teaching.
  10. Psalm 106:3 – “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” This psalm praises those who live by principles of justice and righteousness.
  11. Proverbs 17:15 – “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both.” This proverb emphasizes God’s view of justice, highlighting the importance of accurate and fair judgment that aligns with His standards of righteousness.
  12. Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This verse urges active pursuit of justice and righteous judgment, especially in defense of the vulnerable and marginalized.
  13. Romans 14:13 – “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Paul encourages believers to be considerate in their judgments and avoid causing harm through critical or judgmental attitudes.
  14. Matthew 18:15-17 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Jesus provides guidance on addressing sin within the community, emphasizing a process that is private, respectful, and aimed at reconciliation.
  15. Luke 6:37-38 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” This teaching by Jesus highlights the reciprocal nature of judgment and the importance of forgiveness and mercy.
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These verses collectively offer guidance on how to judge righteously according to biblical principles. They emphasize fairness, mercy, wisdom, and compassion in judgment, while cautioning against hypocrisy and harshness. The Bible advocates for a form of judgment that is reflective of God’s character, balancing truth and justice with love and mercy.