Judge Not That You Be Not Judged. Part [5] 03/22/2024 (Evening thought)

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!

Judge Not That You Be Not Judged. Part [4] 03/21/2024 (Morning thought)

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Our first passage warns us against judging others, for whenever, and wherever this is done personally to another, there is almost a guarantee that the one who judges is also at fault, and in some instances, it can disqualify persons from passing judgment since doing so will present a double standard.

However, our first passage is often misinterpreted or conflated, as applying broadly to persons drawing a conclusion based on their intelligence. In most cases we are born with the ability to think intelligently, or rationally, and because of this, we tend to draw our conclusions based on circumstantial evidences.

Gut feeling and whatever information we might pick up through our five senses also play a role as well as the news media and information highways, which in our day are heavily weighted with political, ethical, and Scriptural biases. Thus, it becomes even more difficult to judge correctly.

1st Samuel 1:14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!