Bible Questions Answered:
I see a Bible error with the verses of Matthew 7:1 versus the verse of John 7:24, in one breath adherents are told not to judge, then told, to judge!
Harry/ Brisbane, Australia
Bible Answer:
Texts:
Matthew 7:1 KJV
Judge* not, that ye be not judged.
*Judge-Greek-Krino (Kree-no): Prop. To distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially), by impl. To try, condemn, punish, avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at law), ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
(Abington's/ Strong's Concordance)
John 7:24 KJV
Judge* not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
*Judge: Same as above.
Background scripture:
Matthew 7:1-5 NLT (Krino, used in the sense of condemning, sentencing,Punishing.)
1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
John 7:21-24 NLT (Krino, used to, Distinguish, i.e. decide, (mentally or judicially), Conclude, determine, think.)
21 Jesus replied, “I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you were amazed.
22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.)
23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with Me for healing a man on the Sabbath?
24 Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”
We are to discern the words, and actions of men, yes!
But we are not to judge men, that is, sentence them to judgment, that is God's position.
Romans 12:19 NLT
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Deuteronomy 32:35 NLT
I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.’
How many a dear soul in the church has had to be lovingly reminded that the phrase “...Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord,” is indeed the Lord's work, and not man's, because, he is “not,” the Lord!
We should judge as to know good or evil and so warn, others, yes!
We should not, judge as to sentence, damn, or punish some one.
As Christian people, we do have the right to drive evil from the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, but God will judge evil ones at His great white judgment throne.
Romans 12:9-21 NLT
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
20 Instead,“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
