The phrase “Do not judge” is often cited from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament, specifically Matthew 7:1, which states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This directive is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the attitudes and behaviors expected of His followers. The essence of this teaching focuses on several key aspects:
1. **Self-Examination**: The passage encourages individuals to examine their own lives before criticizing others. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus uses the metaphor of a speck in someone else’s eye versus a plank in one’s own eye, highlighting the importance of addressing one’s own faults before judging others.
2. **Caution Against Hypocrisy**: This admonition also warns against hypocrisy. In Romans 2:1, Paul writes, “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else,” emphasizing that judging others while being guilty of the same faults is problematic.
3. **The Nature of Judgment**: The biblical injunction against judgment is not a blanket prohibition against all forms of discernment or moral evaluation. In John 7:24, Jesus instructs, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” This suggests that believers are called to discern right from wrong but must do so with a humble and fair mindset.
4. **Love and Compassion**: The broader context of this teaching is rooted in the command to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His followers to love one another, indicating that this love should guide their interactions, including when addressing the faults of others.
5. **Final Judgment Belongs to God**: Ultimately, the Bible emphasizes that the final judgment is God’s prerogative. In James 4:12, it states, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.” This underscores the belief that humans should refrain from taking on the role of judge in matters that belong to God.
In summary, “Do not judge” serves as a reminder to approach others with humility, self-reflection, and love, encouraging believers to focus on their own spiritual growth while leaving judgment to God.