Judge not lest ye be judged are famous words from Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. James in his letter to the church puts it this way “who are you to judge your neighbor?” This is the second time James has written about judging others in his short letter. The other time he was speaking of judging others about partiality (James 2:4). “Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” That time was about our motives on how we treat people. This time he wants us to not speak evil against each other. This is another kind of judgement that presents itself when we become critics of what another man is doing.
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12 ESV
What Kind of Judgement?
Before we get to the Judge not lest ye be judged and I have written on this in the past let us place the kind of judgement that James is talking about into context. “Do not speak evil.”
RIP Charlie Kirk
I am writing on this topic the week of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Hearts are heavy at the news of his murder and what it means for America if not the world. Do not speak evil as commanded by James is what brought us to not just the murder of Charlie Kirk but the celebratory aftermath with teachers, doctors, and professionals of all kinds happy that he was killed. This is the embodiment of speaking evil. Kirk was killed for his faith and for sharing the gospel of truth which is the good news of Jesus Christ.
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV
Judged for Serving Jesus
Peter writes that you will be blessed if you suffer for sharing the good news with gentleness and respect. And those who slander you or speak evil of you will be put to shame. Those who celebrate the murder of Charlie Kirk are being put to shame in real time as they are fired from their jobs.
James writing to the church tells us to not speak evil against fellow believers in Christ. Do not be like the world that hates the gospel and hates truth. As Christians we are called to something greater than slander and lies.
Stop Speaking Evil
Slander is the context of James. Stop gossiping, criticizing, being jealous of, and trying to tear down what other Christians are building. Is it not your thing? Fine but they just might be doing what God called them to do. Who are you to judge the work? That is the point James is communicating.
Do not speak evil against one another brothers. Or in the King James: Brethren. This word can be used to mean all me or it can be used specifically to mean those in Christ. It is both that apply here.
Speaking Evil to the World
Do not speak evil against the men of the world. At no point is it healthy for a Christian to speak evil. To slander others Christian or of the world is not acceptable. Paul writes that when we are slandered we respond we entreat with a persuasive urgent request for them to respond to the gospel.
When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 ESV
Speaking Evil to the Church
Do not speak evil against the men of the Church. Again, it is not acceptable for the Christian man to speak evil of anyone but especially a brother in Christ. God has called us to unity and peace. If you are fighting with one another of gossip and lies then how can the gospel be shared with those outside the church? If you are not reconciled to a brother in Christ, then you are right where the enemy wants you. Repent.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
Judge not lest ye be judged
Finally, when James writes “do not judge” he is not giving a blanket call to suspend all discernment and judgment about the things of this life. Only the world would demand such an idea to provide cover for their wickedness. The judgement James is speaking of is the critical spirit, gossip, and the slander of everyday life. We are all sinners and each of us can be picked apart and criticized. Do not judge a man this way because that is God’s role.
God is the “only one lawgiver and judge.” Only God knows the heart of a man and knows the full truth to make such a judgement. When Jesus told us to judge not lest ye be judged he is asking us to withhold that critical spirit that wants to tear down others. Follow Paul’s example instead “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat”
