To Judge Or Not To Judge
Too many are too quick to say that judging others isn't right,
When neither is that statement when it's not balanced with further light,
Because it’s only wrongful judging that's in need of condemnation,
Not rightful judging that prudently weighs up the situation.
You see,
Judging is simply assessing any given situation,
Which thereby enables us to make a sound evaluation,
Because it’s only by this method that appraisals can be made,
Thus determining our actions according to how such are weighed.
And the same applies to people too, and whatever they might do,
As we need to determine whether we should do that same thing too.
After all, is what they are doing harmful, is it wrong or right,
Could others be affected, and thus will it good or bad invite?
It may also be that what they’re saying needs scrutinizing too,
And so, does it contain some error, is it right or quite untrue,
Could their words lead us astray, or have us put other people wrong,
And could it be that they're deceiving us, just stringing us along?
Yes, good judgment is needed daily as we make our way through life,
Because wrongly-made assessments can bring about much grief and strife.
And it’s not just we who may suffer, others being affected
By our errors of judgment, or when judgment we have neglected.
Hence why we often hear people say that there is a time and a place,
And why sometimes when we’re judging, confronting others we must face,
Because not confronting offenders just condones and aids their wrong,
Depriving them of growth and learning, which wrong-doing can prolong.
And therefore, when we don’t deal with such wrong, clearly love we don’t show,
Because genuine love knows everyone needs discipline to grow.
However, if you’re told when judging that it’s none of your concern,
And there's nothing that you can do, the hard way they’ll just have to learn.
But it’s always how it’s done, of course, and it's also how it’s said,
Because wrong approaches oft simply put things back and not ahead.
And just love should motivate you, both for them and those affected,
Yes — love’s sense of right and wrong — which it knows shouldn't be neglected.
But sadly, some are judging blindly, or in a self-righteous way,
Or because of some prejudice, they’ve let their judgment go astray.
And some are simply judgmental, or they’re spitefully fault-finding,
While others judge selectively, or their own business aren't minding.
Thus, because of such wrongful judging, some don’t want judging at all,
Which effectively would mean that wrongfulness would just have a ball.
And that’s precisely why it is that wrong things must be arrested,
And why we're seeing more today that this world with wrong’s infested.
So then, when you need to judge, please see that it is done correctly,
And to anyone who has wronged you, please always go directly.
But first, make sure you’ve judged yourself, and well before you head their way,
Lest your very own sad condition some hypocrisy display.
And when and where such judgment takes place, humbleness should rule our heart,
We aware of our own failings, and letting mercy play its part,
Because by the way we judge others, we could also be judged too,
Hence why love in its wisdom always chooses the right thing to do.
By Lance Landall
This older poem was upgraded 17 November 2017.
The real problem isn’t that we judge, but that we do so blindly and arrogantly. By not confronting people [because we are afraid of upsetting them] we may deny them the opportunity needed to learn and grow, with the result that they may come unstuck further down the track. Compromise can always be identified by false sympathy for the sinner. In the name of acceptance and love, false sympathy fails to help a person recognize and address sin squarely and thus denies the person the very thing needed, the transforming grace of God.
Unsure of source.
APPROPRIATE JUDGING
1) When called upon to choose people for church office, or when voting on the choices made by others.
In such a case we have to consider whether the beliefs they hold, their
behavior, ability, attitude, background, maturity, responsibility, etc,
is satisfactory for such a position, and is in accordance with
Scripture.
2) When choosing people for a secular position — e.g., appointing
staff, choosing a babysitter, voting someone in as a member of
parliament.
3) When seeking help or advice.
Are they trustworthy, reliable, is their thinking sound, mature, well balanced, unprejudiced, unbiased, correct?
4) When purchasing.
Is the seller telling the truth? Could the seller be mistaken, misinformed?
6) When choosing a marital partner, or close friends.
Would that person be a suitable partner or would their lacking, or
differences, be destructive to the marital relationship, or our
personal well being? Would the close friendship of a particular
person be to our detriment in any way?
7) When considering the actions of another church member.
Does their action warrant biblical church discipline (see Matt
18:15-17), should it be copied or avoided? Should their action be
mentioned to someone who may be adversely affected by it? Should
they be approached about it? Could it be harmful to the common
good? Could it mislead, endanger?
8) When determining whether words spoken by someone regarding biblical matters, contain error or truth.
If error is being spoken, should they be approached, corrected? Should others be informed?
9) When determining whether an action occurring, where others are involved, is suitable for your involvement or presence.
Does it violate your conscience, godly principles? Does it put man before God?
10) When determining whether what someone is telling you, should be
accepted, rejected, considered or perhaps reported.
11) When determining whether someone’s action in general could be injurious to yourself, others, or even themselves.
12) When acting in the capacity of leader, or when in a position of authority.
Is your child, employee, member, advisor, complainant, telling the
truth? Is a source correct? Could a fault lie with you? Is
an action the right one?
13) When requested to advise a person on a suitable course of action,
the suitability of another person, content, material or product.
14) When making choices on behalf of others.
INAPPROPRIATE JUDGING
1) Falsely accusing.
2) Spiteful fault finding.
Jealousy or guilt based, making yourself feel better by putting others down.
3) Unjust criticism.
Embellished, not altogether correct. Over harsh.
4) Prejudiced, biased, selective judging.
Choosing to ignore what suits, lacking impartiality, treating
differently two people who have done the same wrong, operating with a
mind already made up.
5) Acting from a judgmental spirit.
Not motivated by genuine concern or love, obsessed with others wrongs.
6) Careless, indifferent judging.
Not making an effort to find out all the facts you can, lack of thought/feeling for others.
7) Self righteous, hypocritical judging.
Accusing someone of adultery when you’re guilty of stealing, a holier than thou attitude