Therefore, you are without excuse, every person who keeps on judging others; for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things. (ROM 2:1) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your right lobe [and you do], stop being arrogant, and stop lying against the truth. [Gossip or slander is called “lying against the truth.”] This wisdom [a system of thinking that includes gossip, slandering, and the sins of the tongue] is not that which comes down from heaven, but is earthly, natural, demonic, for where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is dissension and every evil [worthless] deed. (JAM 3:14-16) In this context we are talking about speaking evil, judging, and being bitter. Many legalistic, self-righteous individuals think that it is their duty, or responsibility, to bring up other people’s sins, therefore James says, This wisdom is not that which comes down from above. These evil (worthless) deeds include the sins of the tongue. Be careful of these individuals who consider it their duty to speak evil of, and discredit other people. The self-righteous Pharisees thought it was their duty to destroy the perfect Son of God. The legalistic Judaizers thought it was their duty to discredit the grace ministry of Paul, and so they stoned him. These people apply a double standard of arrogance without even knowing it. They judge, slander, malign, and condemn others for their sins, while at the same time they turn a blind eye to their own sins. In JAM 4:11 we are taught that such attacks are an affront to Bible doctrine itself. Do not speak against one another, brethren; he who speaks against [or slanders or maligns] a fellow believer, or judges a fellow believer, slanders and judges Bible doctrine [the Law of God](JAM 4:11). It is not the duty, responsibility, or even the prerogative of one believer to assume the role and function of Jesus Christ as the Supreme Court Judge in judging other believers. No one knows all there is to know about another believer; only God has that intimate knowledge of everyone. Therefore, He is the only One qualified to judge and evaluate anyone. The responsibility of believers is to evaluate their ownlives in the light of the standards of Bible doctrine. Doctrine in the soul produces true standards of grace righteousness. Grace righteousness and self-righteousness are mutually exclusive, and grace avoids verbal sins. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (ROM 14:4) But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. |
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