Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

James 4:12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the heart. Clearly, the Bible establishes the wrongness of judging others. Why is it wrong to judge others? Because the Bible states that judging others is reserved for God and God alone. Why? Because only God can search deep into the hearts of men and women to identify the "hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts." 1 Corinthians 4:5.

If this is true, then how can we say that the Bible also supports the judging of others? Simply put, because it encourages us to do so! Where you say?

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."

1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?

1 Corinthians 10:14-16 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.

Clearly, the Bible establishes the rightness of judging others. Why is it right to judge others? Because the Bible states that believers are commanded to judge others.

How can this be? Does the Bible contradict itself? Surely it cannot be wrong and right to judge others, can it?

Oddly enough it is both wrong and right.

Judging can be both wrong and right primarily because unlike the English language, Greek (the language the New Testament was written in), translates the word judge or judging several ways. Thus, the term has multiple words and definitions that help clarify the intent of the writer.

There is also the issue of context. When one reads the passages that teach or illustrate the concept of judging others, it becomes evident that the context establishes different types of judging. Wrongful judging is based on our personal subjective opinions, whereas rightful judging is based on God's non-subjective word. Wrongful judging lacks discernment. Rightful judging is founded on godly discernment.

Again, 1 Corinthians 4:5 says, Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Here we are commanded to refrain from judging hidden things within the hearts of others. Why? Because we have no way of discerning the truth.

In Matthew 18:15 Jesus says, Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. This teaching demands that we judge the actions of another and confront him regarding the actions. The primary difference in this case is, here a brother has committed a clear and identifiable sin that can be objectively discerned. In 1 Corinthians 4:5 the intents of the heart cannot be fully grasped. One is outward and objective; the other is inward and subjective as it relates to our ability to discern.

Why is it important to put aside wrongful judging and uphold rightful judging? Because of the results that accompany each. Wrongful judging tears relationships apart. Wrongful judging assumes we know things we cannot know. Rightful judging, done correctly has as its goal to mend relationships. Rightful judging is based only on the clear and outward facts as viewed through the framework of the Bible.

God commands us to avoid wrongful judging because it is destructive and can ruin the Church of Christ. God commands us to embrace rightful judging because without it the Church cannot police, correct and strengthen itself.

So, as you can see, the Bible does indeed encourage us not to judge others, while judging others as needed.