Scripture encourages Christian believers to discern between right and wrong (1 Corinthians 5:5; Philippians 3:2; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 3:13; 1 John 4:1). Jesus himself calls for right judgments to be made (John 7:24).1 As a result, Jesus must be forbidding a specific kind of judgment. Most likely he has in mind the judgment shown by Pharisees. Pharisees were known to be very critical of Jews that did not obey the law as they did (Matthew 23:1–39), thereby assuming God’s position and prerogative as if it belonged to them.2 Given this historical context, Jesus is condemning all judgment where you look down on another person with a critical spirit.3 He is forbidding an attitude of superiority, words of condemnation with no concern for the individual (Luke 6:36–37).4 Instead of such judgment, the church community should give correction in gentleness (Matthew 18:15–17; Matthew 6:1–5).5
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.