Biblical Illiteracy: ‘Judge Not’

(Facebook image)

A reader sent me a link to the following from Harbinger Daily:

Biblical Illiteracy: There Are Few Verses In Scripture As Mishandled As ‘Judge Not’

August 5, 2025

The couple who became famous from HGTV’s popular Fixer Upper show, Chip and Joanna Gaines, made headlines recently because they are professing Christians, and yet they platformed two men in a gay “marriage” on their new show. Reportedly, in response to the outcry from Christians, the couple claimed, “Doesn’t the Bible say ‘judge not’; who are you to tell people what they can, and cannot do?” Well, the Bible tells us what we can and can’t do as Christians!

There are few verses in Scripture that are mishandled as much as Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Whenever someone quotes that verse, as apparently the Gaineses did, to justify embracing or turning a blind eye to sin, they are completely ignoring the context.

Here’s a larger part of the passage, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 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? 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? 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. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” (Matthew 7:1–6).

Clearly, within context, Jesus is not saying never to make judgments—that’s impossible anyway. …

This kind of misinterpretation of Scripture because of a lack of belief in the authority of Scripture (often coupled with biblical illiteracy!) is sadly very common, not just among professing Christian celebrities, but within churches, Christian colleges and universities, and even seminaries. … once you abandon the truth and authority of God’s Word beginning in Genesis, more compromise follows. And that’s exactly what we see in so many of these stories of compromising Christians. https://harbingersdaily.com/biblical-illiteracy-there-are-few-verses-in-scripture-as-mishandled-as-judge-not/

It should be noted that Jesus also said:

24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. (John 7:24)

So, yes, Christians are supposed to make righteous judgments.

And what does the Bible teach is righteousness? Notice:

172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness. (Psalms 119:172)

So, what are God’s commands related to marriage and homosexuality?

Notice:

6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Mark 10:5-8)

22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. (Leviticus 20:13)

Jesus clearly taught that a marriage was between a man and a woman. The Bible says for men to have sex together is an abomination.

Those who try to claim that the Bible does not clearly condemn homosexuality are intentionally misreading what it actually teaches. The Bible prohibits and condemns homosexual behavior.

Notice also:

5 A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

The Bible not only warns that homosexuality, lesbianism, and cross-dressing are wrong, it also condemns those who condone all forms of sexual immorality:

5 A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:24-32)

Notice that not only are those with homosexual practices judged as deserving of death, so according to the New Testament, are those who accept or approve of their behaviors.

The New Testament, though, says homosexuals can change:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Those are truths.

Notice something the Apostle Paul wrote about sexual immorality:

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles — that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)

Note that Christians are not to tolerate nor encourage sexual immorality among those who claim Christianity.

The standards from judging come from the Bible:

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Christians are in a position to judge many aspects of sin and immorality.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

Testing all things, or proving them as the KJV puts it, suggests judgment.

Paul also wrote:

2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? (1 Corinthians 6:2-5)

Yet, it is not just various Protestants who overlook many scriptures related to homosexuality and judgment, notice something from the Associated Press and the late Pope Francis:

July 29, 2013: During his first airborne press conference as pope, Francis is asked about a purportedly gay priest and replies, “Who am I to judge?” His comment while flying home from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro signaled a more conciliatory, welcoming tone for LGBTQ Catholics who long felt marginalized by the church. …

One would think that the head of the Roman Catholic Church would know that the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality–and perhaps would know some about what it says about judging.

Notice a judgment by the Apostle Paul:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Furthermore, notice that three Christians wrote negatively about homosexuality in the second century (the King in the first one is a reference to the Roman Emperor Hadrian:

Now the Greeks, O King, as they follow base practises in intercourse with males, and a mother and a sister and a daughter, impute their monstrous impurity in turn to the Christians. (Aristides von Athen (50-134) Apologia. The Apology of Aristides the Philosopher – Translated from the Syriac)

Knowing, then, that “God is not mocked,” we ought to walk worthy of His commandment and glory … For it is well that they should be cut off from the lusts that are in the world, since “every lust warreth against the spirit; ” and “neither fornicators, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, shall inherit the kingdom of God,” nor those who do things inconsistent and unbecoming (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, Chapter V. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

53. But in addition to this there were to be found among men many things still more monstrous and terrifying and brutal: father cohabits with his child, and son and with his mother, and brother with sister, and male with male, and each man lusting after the wife of his neighbor. (Melito’s Homily on the Passover)

Notice that Polycarp of Smyrna also repeated the Apostle Paul’s judgment against homosexual, bisexual, and trans men.

The old WCG put out the following related to judging:

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Yet, just a few verses later in that same Sermon on the Mount, He said, “You shall know them by their fruits.”

The first statement is clear. But at the same time, the second implies that some form of judgment or assessment takes place in the mind of a Christian. What is the real difference between these two concepts? The answer to that question underscores one of the toughest challenges to a Church member. It focuses on a fundamental quality of character essential to every begotten son of God!

Commanded not to condemn

When Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1), the term obviously referred to judgment in the sense of condemnation or pronouncement of guilt. It is plain in the verses that follow that no one is really capable of such judgment because we all are blinded to some degree by our own shortcomings.

Regardless of accomplishments in this life, no one has the prerogative to sit in spiritual judgment of others. Indeed, Jesus Himself did not come to judge (condemn): “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17). The word condemn in this verse is derived from the same Greek word that we have already seen in Matthew 7:1.

There are a number of reasons why no man should sit in judgment (condemnation) of another. One important reason is expounded by the apostle Paul in Romans 2. The chapter begins with the same thought as Matthew 7:1. “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whosoever you are that judges… for you that judge do the same things.” The term judge refers to condemnation as shown in the context. This is again the same Greek word as used in Matthew 7:1.

As the apostle discusses the subject, he says in verse 4, “Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

This verse directly relates to II Peter 3:9, which says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us–ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Space to repent

It is a natural reaction to lunge quickly into accusation when we see the wrongdoing of others, all the while being blinded to our own shortcomings. But as we point the finger, we fail to remember that God is aware of all and has chosen not to intervene at the moment. He is literally giving us space to repent.

In addressing the Thyatiran church in Revelation 2, God spoke of “that woman Jezebel” and mentioned her sins and pollutions within the church. He said, “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not” (Rev. 2:21).

The point is obvious. God has given us all “space to repent.”

God is not willing that any should perish. It is not our right to condemn a brother. In so doing we might be invading that space to repent that God has personally dealt to each person. Besides, all of us have some type of beam in our eyes that prevents us from seeing clearly.

Develop ability to discern

Many reasons could be cited for not condemning another. The scriptural teachings are quite clear. But by the same token, Christians have an obligation to use their minds wisely and develop their judgment to the point of discernment.

It is not our right to condemn a brother. In so doing we might be invading that space to repent that God has personally dealt to each person.

Paul wrote: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. “And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1, 2).

This, of course, requires constant study and contemplation of the Bible as well as the world around us. Paul found people of this mind when he visited Berea, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Notice. These people were not cynical or sneering, neither did they sit in condemnation. Rather, they received the apostle “with all readiness of mind.” They were open–minded with respect to all that he presented. Then they went about searching the Scriptures to see if everything spoken and done was in accordance with the Word of God. They obviously sought to follow the apostle Paul as he followed Christ (I Cor. 11:1).

These Bereans were “more noble.” They would have quickly followed the admonition with which Paul enjoined the Thessalonians, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thess. 5:21).

In keeping with Romans 12:1-2 and I Thessalonians 5:21, the Bereans were using a form of judgment that is discernment. This type of discernment — or judgment — is precisely what was described by Jesus Christ when He said, “You shall know them by their fruits.” The context of Matthew 7:16–20 makes that plain.

Spiritual perception

We can also see the discernment illustrated as spiritual perception in I Corinthians 2:14–16: “But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” The spirit of God in us is intended to increase and sharpen our ability to discern.

The contrast between judgment that is condemnation and judgment that is discernment is colorfully illustrated by a rule held by one Church family. That rule prohibits the children from ever calling each other liars during some disagreement or argument. One child might say that the other has told an untruth or a falsehood, but not a lie.

You see, to call another person a liar is to imply premeditated resolve to deceive and bear false witness. It automatically implies guilt and malice of heart.

On the other hand, errors about fact occur frequently. People will often relate what they perceive to be the truth. But through incomplete information, poor communication and human distortion, many falsehoods are spoken in true sincerity and honesty.

To note such a falsehood or untruth is simply to deny its validity. To claim that it is a lie, however, is to imply guilt and violation of the Ninth Commandment. Such judgment belongs only to God!

Not an easy challenge

The challenge to us as Christians is not an easy one. During times of crisis, we have to resist the natural inclination to point the finger and imagine the worst. Yet, at the same time, we must use discernment, which is founded upon the Word of God.

To achieve this seemingly impossible balance one must exercise unswerving faith and confidence in God to accomplish all that He says He will.
David, whose life was beset by many harsh trials, came to have greater faith in God rather than condemning others with an avenging attitude. In the 112th Psalm, he described that man (person) who truly fears (respects and trusts) God:

“Light rises in the darkness for the upright; the Lord is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.

“For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for ever.

“He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

“His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his adversaries” (verses 4–8, Revised Standard Version).

From the New Testament we understand exactly what a converted Christian desires for his enemy, namely repentance and a change of heart. To accuse and condemn would be inconsistent with that desire.
In one of his last messages to the Church at large, Peter said, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (I Pet. 4:17).

God the judge of all

It is true that God is the judge of us all. But we — within the house of God — must exercise discernment to keep our individual lives close to Him.

Earlier in the above passage, Peter cautions us: “And above all things have fervent charity [love] among yourselves: for charity [love] shall cover the multitude of sins.

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (I Pet. 4:8–9).

To discern right from wrong, to give space to repent, to show love, to have faith that God is fully aware of and working with each individual — to do these things represents one of the toughest challenges for Christians of all times! (Stocker LE. Good News, May 1979)

Christians can, and should, judge based upon what the word of God teaches.

A major flaw in the world’s versions of Christianity has long been to overlook many parts of scripture.

Perhaps it should also be mentioned that most true end time Christians are Laodicean, which is derived from two Greek words which mean “judgment of the people” or the “people judge.” The problem with the Laodicean Christians is not that they judge, but that they do not use God’s criteria when they do so.

Do not overlook God’s criteria.

UPDATE 08/10/25: We just uploaded the following related video:

14:22

Judge Righteously

Judge not lest ye be judged. At least here’s what we’re told in Matt 7:1 So, should Christians ever judge or not? Well, let’s read verse 2 – Matt 7:2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Are these verses telling us not to judge? Let’s read one more verse. Drop down to verse 3 and read some more in Matthew 7. Matt 7:3 “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Isn’t this telling us to judge ourselves and not others?” Here’s something else Jesus said. How does this verse fit in – John 7:24 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” How do we tie these verse together in order to rightly divide the word of truth? Should Christians be able to render judgments on sexual immortality in modern society? Are Christians going to judge angels? What did the old Worldwide Church of God teach about judgment vs. condemnation? Is it possible that proper judgement is associated with condemnation? Are there also Christians who are too judgmental about the true church, but not enough related to themselves? Watch this video as Dr. Thiel shines the light of God’s truth from the pages of the Bible on righteous judgment.

Here is a link to our video: Judge Righteously.

Remember to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Making Your Marriage Work Marriage is not always easy, but it pictures a divine relationship. How can you make your marriage work? Here is a link to the video sermon: You Can Make YOUR Marriage Work.

Cross-dressing and other assaults against your children. What should you do? Is there an agenda to turn your children and/or grandchildren away from biblical morality and towards practices promoted by homosexuals? What does the Bible teach about cross-dressing? What should parents do? If there is an agenda, what has been going on? There are also videos related to this, titled Transgender ‘Woe to those who call evil good’, Cross dressing and Other Assaults Against Your Children, Disney’s abominable promotions!, USA pushing gender confusion, and New Transgender Study.

The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality and the LGBTQ agenda? Can homosexuals change? A related video sermon is titled: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? A short video is available titled: Gay Gene? Born That Way?

Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.