Exodus 22:9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing which another challenges to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbor.
There are a few points that should be made up front as it pertains to a better understanding of the issue of judging. As we go through various scenarios to try to get a handle on the matter, we must bear in mind that God is the only One who could judge accurately every time since He brings the motives, thoughts, or intentions, and purposes into the mix.
[1] Judging a person, as mentioned in our opening passage is different from drawing conclusions based on circumstantial evidence. Let’s take 3 scenarios. Scenario [1] You go to the airport on January 25 and there you see a man loaded with ski equipment and gear, and he says he heading to Colorado. Now, the rational, forgone conclusion will most likely be that he is heading there to ski. That’s a conclusion based on intelligent evidence.
But it is also possible that the same man is carrying ski equipment to someone in Colorado. He could also be returning from some other vacation resort to his home town in Colorado, and therefore, even though there might be a preponderance of evidence in favor of the conclusion, you can be wrong.
Deuteronomy 25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!