When is judgment off limits

Before I start with judging that is off limits, let me mention a judgment that is to interfere in something that is not one's concern which Paul speaks in Romans 14:3-4 & 10-13. Paul is speaking about someone judging another person over food this person was eating.  He is talking about not judging one another but rather keeping quiet - not putting an obstacle or a stumbling block in another believers way especially if it is a new believer. Stay away from judging someone when it is of no concern to you specially when not seen as evil but may be seen as evil to the one judging.

Here are the verses against judging: who, though they know the righteousness of Elohim, that those who practice such deserve death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them - Romans 1:32.

Therefore, O man, you are without excuse, everyone who judges, for in which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you who judge practice the same wrongs. And we know that the judgment of Elohim is according to truth against those who practice such wrongs. And do you think, O man, you who judge those practicing such wrongs, and doing the same, that you shall escape the judgment of Elohim? Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the kindness of Elohim leads you to repentance? - Romans 2:1-4.

Paul is teaching that one brings condemnation on himself when he judges another to be in sin if he practices the same sin.

The principle is about sins of conscience, if you know that something is wrong then you are condemned if you do it. This is reflected in the scripture, “by the judgment you judge others, you shall be judged.” Very important verse to remember.

One good example is when the prophet confronted David with his sin with Bathsheba. Nathan told David a story of a rich man who by force took away the single lamb of a poor man and served it to his guest. David discerned that this man had acted wickedly and he condemned him and said he should be punished.

Yahuah, having thus proved that David did discern between right and wrong, then told David through Nathan, “You are the man.”

David’s sin was all the more disgraceful because he knew clearly that it was evil that he was doing.

"Do not judge lest you be judged - Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, lest you be judged. “For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged. And with the same measure you use, it shall be measured to you. “And why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the plank in your own eye? “Or how is it that you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the splinter out of your eye,’ and see, a plank is in your own eye? “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to remove the splinter out of your brother’s eye.

What is being spoken against is hypocrisy, focusing on the sins of your brother/sister while ignoring your own sins.

A warning is also given that we will receive from Yahuah the same measure that we provide to others. If we are harsh and critical, condemning without mercy those in error, we will receive the same. If we are gentle and merciful, we will also receive mercy.

Brothers, if a man is overtaken in some trespass, you the spiritual ones, set such a one straight in a spirit of meekness, looking at yourself lest you be tried too - Galatians 6:1. Lead  with care.

We all are tempted as we are not perfect, we therefore need to display an attitude of compassion, but rather restoration - read 2 Corinthians 7:3 I do not say this to condemn, for I previously said that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.

Brothers, do not speak against one another. He that speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against Torah (commands) and judges Torah. And if you judge Torah (commands), you are not a doer of Torah (commands) but a judge. There is one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? - James 4:11-12.

What James is referring to is slandering (lies or false things) a brother or sister, or acting in a harmful manner toward him/her through bringing unjust judgments against him/her. James is not discussing discernment and judgment, but rather slander and detraction that arises out of  bitterness (hostility) and a lack of kindness towards a brother. Such a brother becomes a judge of the commands (Torah) because he attempts to add things to the commands, not being content with what Yahuah chose to include there.

The order against judging can only be understood in the light of all the scriptures taken together. Righteous judgment is never condemned, the judgment that originates with Yahuah and is made known as we observe Him.

It should be always held in mind that “ by the measure we measure to others, it will be measured to us.” If we desire mercy, we should be merciful to one another.

We are not to look passed sin, but neither are we to attack a brother unmercifully. As we move into greater intimacy with the Father and observe His heart and His ways, and as we allow Him to produce holiness in our own lives, we will be better able to instruct one another in the way of holiness.

I realize after this study that judging of others should not be taken lightly. If you need to judge, make sure it is in the boundary of Yahuah's word and ensure that your walk is righteous with Yahuah and not in sin.