James 2:4 (KJV) Judgment Is Essential

James 2:4 (KJV)
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

People will look for just about any reason to condemn judging. Our sin nature and corrupted tendency to believe we have the right to decide for ourselves what is good and evil hates that there is a standard greater than our own. We hate worse that someone would hold us next to that standard.

So here seems like another of those passages that supports the idea we should not judge others.

Not so.

Albert Barnes writes,
“The sense is, that we have no right to form a decisive judgment of men on their first appearance, as we do when we treat one with respect and the other not; and that when we make up our opinion in regard to them, it should be by some other means of judging than the question whether they can wear gold rings, and dress well, or not.” He goes on to say that others have interpreted it to mean, ‘ye become judges who reason ill.’”

The plain fact is that judgment is essential in every aspect of life, including the gospel company we keep. But it is equally essential that our judgment be made from sound standards and not impulsive or reactionary impressions.

To my readers:
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James 2:4 (KJV) Judgment Is Essential

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