What judging is forbidden
But what is properly the meaning of this word, Judge not? What is the judging which is here forbidden? It is not the same as evil speaking, although it is frequently joined with it. Evil speaking is the relating of anything that is evil concerning an absent person; whereas judging may indifferently refer either to the absent or the present. Neither does it necessarily imply speaking at all, but only thinking evil of another. Not that every kind of thinking evil of others is that judging which our Lord condemns. If I see one commit robbery or murder, or hear him blaspheme the name of God, I cannot refrain from thinking ill of the robber or murderer. Yet this is not evil judging: there is no sin in this, nor anything contrary to tender affection.
1771 text
8. But what is properly the meaning of this word, Judge not? What is the judging which is here forbidden? It is not the same as evil-speaking, altho’ it is frequently joined therewith. Evil-speaking, is the relating any thing that is evil, concerning an absent person: whereas judging may indifferently refer, either to the absent or the present. Neither does it necessarily imply the speaking at all, but only the thinking evil of another. Not that all kind of thinking evil of others, is that judging which our Lord condemns. If I see one commit robbery or murder, or hear him blaspheme the name of God, I cannot refrain from thinking ill of the robber or murderer. Yet this is not evil judging: there is no sin in this, nor any thing contrary to tender affection.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 30 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:1-12.
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