Judgment and discernment are very closely related principles, in fact they cannot be entirely separated. Judgment is generally depicted in a negative light, while discernment is depicted positively. But, we cannot discern situations, intentions, motives, and dangers without using sound biblical judgment. And we cannot judge anything as to good or evil, without first using our God-given wisdom, or discernment. Discernment is primarily concerned with judging whether something or someone is of good or evil, while judgment is a bit more complex.

When the Bible speaks against judgment, this refers most heavily to the intention behind actions or words, not so much the event or issue at hand. For example, if you discover someone you know is cheating on his or her spouse, you are not wrong to judge that as wrong, because it is wrong and you are merely understanding the truth about what you’ve heard, however, if you judge that person as slimy, dirty, wicked or sleazy, you are judging in the way that the Scriptures warn believers against, because you have no idea what was in that person’s heart when they fell into the sin of adultery. In contrast, discernment is using godly understanding to recognize what is correct; it’s using God’s Wisdom in order to properly assess a situation as right or wrong, but judgment of the people involved is where we go wrong. For course, this is just one example. Anything done in immorality is obviously sin and that we can clearly discern/judge.

Jesus taught His Disciples not to judge others in Matthew 7:1-5:

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, but will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Not only was Jesus clearly speaking about the condition of the heart of the one being judged. He points out that we are all vulnerable to landing in the same predicament: being tempted to judge someone over something that was done during a time of confusion and great stress, not necessarily due to a wicked intent. Now if someone is found to be wicked, there’s where we find another layer of judgment, because if we have concrete evidence of wickedness of heart, we aren’t even supposed to associate with person anymore; having come to this understanding or discernment and have consequently judged that person as wicked, as this is judging rightly. See if there is any question at all, we are unfairly assuming the worst in that person, which is what the Scripture is warning against.

Moreover, if we are paying attention to what God reveals to us, we will more than likely come to a time in our lives when we judge someone in our own righteousness; it happens to all of us for the express purpose of learning our lesson not to unfairly judge others. Often times, soon after we judge another, we may notice someone else having the opportunity to do the same to us either by evidence that they have done so, or merely presenting that person or people with the opportunity to do so because we end up doing what we were accusing someone else of doing with ungodly intent. It’s quite the wake-up call!

Both Paul and Jesus instructed believers not to judge others unrightly:

Luke 6:37-42, John 8:1-11, Luke 6:31-36, James 4:11-12, Romans 2:1-3 & 14:1-13

In Proverbs, one of the books of Wisdom, we see a positive view of judgment, because when applied properly, judgment is used in conjunction with discernment:

“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:9)

Verses on Judgment—

The following passage in Romans describes how unfair it is to judge someone for the same sort of things we do ourselves and how can we be so arrogant to think God will not judge us?:

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you, who judge, practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to the Truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” (Romans 2:1-3)

The following verse in 1Corinthians is very interesting and require some intensity of thought. The first part involves looking at our own thinking and behaviors honestly. The second part goes on to conclude that we would not be judged in so doing; meaning we would avoid this error because we would come to a more profound understanding of what someone else is dealing with if we consider what it would be like to be in their shoes. This helps us avoid rushing to judge someone else for their errors in judgment, because it says, “we would not be judged.” Therefore, we remain in right-standing with our Lord God, because we bypassed this temptation and remained blameless in that regard:

“For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (1Corinthians 11:31)

And how do we judge ourselves rightly? We simply need to remain fair, not slanderous, in humility and lovingkindness:

“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:16-19)

Verses on Discernment—

“Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her a silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD And find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding;” (Proverbs 2:3-6)

“So give your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1Kings 3:9)

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1Corinthians 2:`4)

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

“The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.” (Proverbs 14:8)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Philippians 1:9-10, Proverbs 15:21, 18:15 & 28:11, Psalms 119:125 & James 1:5

All we have to do is ask Him and He will provide wisdom, which is necessary for discernment:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

“Now God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.” (1Kings 4:29)

NKJV

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.