Should a Christian ever judge another human being, does Paul warn them not to in Romans Chapter 2?

Question

1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”:[a] 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

Answer 1

The context of this passage has to do with Paul addressing hypocritical judging by legalistic Jews who looked down on the gentiles who did not share in their heritage of being God's people and knowing God's commandments.

That's why he goes on to say:

Romans 2:12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. 17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth-- 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." 25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

He is making a point that is found in the Bible in many places where a proud person judges another person and it turns out that their words apply to them self just as much and so with their own mouth they are condemning them self and engaging in hypocrisy.

Matthew 7:2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Paul is engaging in an extended argument to show that people are not saved by a legalistic adherance to the Jewish laws and customs but are saved through faith in Christ.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one. He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

Answer 2

Judgement is the fruit, of the 'knowledge of good and evil' tree. Judge that tree, by it's fruit. Free will only gives you two options; judge the world and God, or accept both. That's it.

Your decisions in the moment, are so well programmed, that you aren't even aware of ninety nine percent of your decisions. Your trip to the store is rationality...nothing more.

In the Bible, Judgement has to do with earth shattering, life and death, eternal decisions of more import.

Example; Do you blame God, for the mess the world is in?
That is the sin that started it all, and that is the condemnation that Paul speaks of, and it's what you bring upon yourself when you realize that you do, indeed know right from wrong. That makes you accountable in your own heart. And somewhat behind in your indemnity payments.

Answer 3

Jesus says not to judge others. ("Do not judge, or you too will be judged, and with the measure you you, it will be measured to you." or "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?") The bottom line is, what right do you have to judge your friend? See, you aren't God, so there's no way you can know the whole complete truth and know their exact thoughts. Also, judging has screwed up some pretty good relationships for me, it's something that I'll admit to having a problem with, and if I do judge, it usually turns out wrong. So why can't I seem to control myself? Sin is sin, so I'm just asking God for strength and self-control. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

We need to leave the judgment to the God. If you follow Jesus, you want to spread the word of God, and that can be taken as we are judgmental towards each other. I follow Jesus, I love Him. I do not want to anybody to miss out on an opportunity be with Him forever. It is about free will, and even I have to accept that God is not forcing anybody to be with Him.

God is kind, but He is not soft. In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life change. You are not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire.

Do not kill me, I am only a messenger!!! God is the righteous Judge, we condemn our selves if we try to take His job. Our job is to share Gospel. That is the good news...the good news is that God loves you, and He hopes that the feeling is mutual.

Answer 5

God is the supreme judge, yes. But, we as humans judge all the time, even though we know we shouldn't. Human nature. Not an excuse, just a fact.

Matthew 7:1 talks about judging, more so than the verses you chose.

If need understanding of what confuses you about scripture, just ask God. Pray to him. Take care.

Answer 6

Judgment could be a very misunderstood subject. It is true that we should not judge others as has been stated; However, that does not preclude us from distinguishing good from evil. A tree is known by its fruits, A good tree bears good fruit; A bad tree bears bad fruit. That is not wrong judgment. In that light we are allowed to judge, it is rightful judgment. We also should know that in that same measure we will also be judged. God bless you richly and abundantly!!!

Answer 7

That certainly seems to be a crystal-clear message that followers of Christ shouldn't pass judgment on others, though, unfortunately, many "Christians" seem to forget this. I also find the passage "for you who judge practice the same things" interesting. It reminds us of the fact that often the most judgmental people live in glass houses.

Answer 8

A judge is one who sentences someone to their doom. Us christians are like the jury. We see the evidence according to how they are living based upon the word of God, and we judge righteous judgment. Thats in the bible too to judge righteous judgment. I can say to another person you are not living according to God's word and those who are not living according to God's word is either out of fellowship or not even saved.

Answer 9

As with most people on yahoo you do not understand application. Christians can judge non-Christians because non-believers are already condemned by their non-belief. Paul is writing to other Christians, not to the general public. Christians should not judge other Christians because all Christians are equal in God's eyes. Jesus loves you.

Answer 10

Many of the things said in the many times translated and censored by the men who created the King James version are nonsensical. How can one not judge terrorists who kill innocent women and children for no reason except their concept of a religion?

Answer 11

Well, I'm glad to see that you are reading the Bible this morning. Yes, Paul tells us not to judge others, or the wrath of his judgement will come upon us. However, Christians, like everyone else, are not perfect. Many strive to the best of their ability to live as close to the Bible as possible. Despite our efforts, most of us fail. That is where grace comes in. It's alright that we messed up as long as we tried.