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Avoiding Judgment of Other Traditions and Examples Biblically

The New Testament frequently cautions against various forms of judgment, particularly those rooted in human traditions, pride, or a contentious spirit. This guidance extends to avoiding strife and injustice, and to exercising care in how one assesses the beliefs and practices of others [4, 5].

One explicit warning against human traditions appears in Titus 1:14, which admonishes believers to avoid "Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth" [1]. Similarly, 1 Timothy 1:4 advises against "myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith" [2]. These passages highlight a concern that human-made traditions can distract from or even contradict divine truth. John Gill, in his commentary on Hebrews 13:9, notes that "divers and strange doctrines" can refer to "the traditions of the elders" or "several doctrines of men," contrasting them with the singular, uniform doctrine of Scripture [11]. Calvin, commenting on Ezekiel 20:18, suggests that "the traditions of the fathers are to be carefully weighed, not indiscriminately followed," and that imitation of their "plausible statutes" should be avoided just as much as their "gross sins" [9].

Beyond specific traditions, the New Testament also warns against a general judgmental attitude. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged," is a foundational text. John Gill clarifies that this does not prohibit all forms of judgment, such as those in civil courts or church discipline, but specifically targets "rash judgment, interpreting men's words and deeds to the worst" [10]. The Tyndale House commentary on Luke 6:37-42 further explains that Jesus condemned "hypocritical judgment that denigrated another person." This kind of judgment, it argues, is an "act of pride," distinct from loving exhortation that warns others of sin [12].

The broader biblical witness also condemns actions and attitudes that foster division and injustice. "Strife" is identified as a "work of the flesh" in Galatians 5:20 and an "evidence of a carnal spirit" in 1 Corinthians 3:3 [4]. Proverbs 3:30 advises against quarreling without cause, and Proverbs 25:8 warns against hasty litigation [4, 8]. The Old Testament also emphasizes avoiding injustice, particularly towards the vulnerable. Exodus 23:6 forbids injustice to the poor, and Deuteronomy 24:17 extends this to the stranger and fatherless [5]. Exodus 23:7 states, "Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked" [3]. This principle underscores the importance of fair and truthful dealings.

Revenge is another form of negative judgment explicitly forbidden. Leviticus 19:18 and Proverbs 24:29 counsel against it, and Jesus directly addresses it in Matthew 5:39-41 [6]. Instead of seeking revenge, believers are encouraged to "give place to wrath" (Romans 12:19) and to overcome evil with kindness (Romans 12:20) [6]. Christ himself is presented as an example of forbearing revenge, as seen in Isaiah 53:7 and 1 Peter 2:23 [6].

Furthermore, the Bible cautions against "presumption," which can manifest as spiritual pride or self-righteousness (Isaiah 65:5; Luke 18:11) [7]. This includes "esteeming our own ways right" (Proverbs 12:15) and seeking precedence (Luke 14:7-11) [7]. Such attitudes can lead to an unwarranted sense of superiority over others, fostering a judgmental spirit.

The biblical emphasis is on discerning truth and upholding righteousness without succumbing to prideful, rash, or contentious judgment of others, especially concerning their traditions or practices.

Sources

  1. Titus “Titus 1:14 (LEB) — not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth.”
  2. I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (LEB) — and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith.”
  3. Exodus ““Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked. -- Exodus 23:7”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Injustice — Forbidden -- Le 19:15,35; De 16:19. Specially to be avoided towards The poor. -- Ex 23:6; Pr 22:16,22,23. The stranger and fatherless. -- Ex 22:21,22; De 24:17; Jer 22:3. Servants. -- Job 31:13,14; De 24:14; Jer 22:13. Of the least kind, condemned -- Lu 16:10. God Regards. -- Ec 5:8. Approves not of. -- La 3:35,36. Abominates. -- Pr 17:15; 20:10. Hears the cry of those who suffer. -- Jas 5:4. Provoked to avenge. -- Ps 12:5. Brings a curse -- De 27:17,19. A bad example leads to -- Ex 23:2. Intemperance leads to -- Pr 31:5. Covetousness leads to -- Jer 6:13”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Revenge — Forbidden by our Lord -- Le 19:18; Pr 24:17,29; Mt 5:39-41; Ro 12:17,19; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9. Christ an example of forbearing -- Isa 53:7; 1Pe 2:23. Rebuked by Christ -- Lu 9:54,55. Inconsistent with Christian spirit -- Lu 9:55. Proceeds from a spiteful heart -- Eze 25:15. Instead of taking, we should Trust in God. -- Pr 20:22; Ro 12:16. Exhibit love. -- Le 19:18; Lu 6:35. Give place to wrath. -- Ro 12:19. Exercise forbearance. -- Mt 5:38-41. Bless. -- Ro 12:14. Overcome others by kindness. -- Pr 25:21,22; Ro 12:20. Keep others from taking -- 1Sa 24:10; 25:24”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Presumption — A characteristic of the wicked -- 2Pe 2:10. A characteristic of Antichrist -- 2Th 2:4. Exhibited in Opposing God. -- Job 15:25,26. Wilful commission of sin. -- Ro 1:32. Self-righteousness. -- Ho 12:8; Re 3:17. Spiritual pride. -- Isa 65:5; Lu 18:11. Esteeming our own ways right. -- Pr 12:15. Seeking precedence. -- Lu 14:7-11. Planning for the future. -- Lu 12:18; Jas 4:13. Pretending to prophecy. -- De 18:22. Pray to be kept from sins of -- Ps 19:13. Saints avoid -- Ps 131:1. Punishment for -- Nu 15:30; Re 18:7,8. Exemplified Builders of Babel. -- Ge 11”
  8. Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 3:29: Do not abuse confidence and avoid litigation.”
  9. Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 20:18: I said unto their children--being unwilling to speak any more to the fathers as being incorrigible. Walk ye not in . . . statutes of . . . fathers--The traditions of the fathers are to be carefully weighed, not indiscriminately followed. He forbids the imitation of not only their gross sins, but even their plausible statutes [CALVIN].”
  10. Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 7 (introduction): Judge not, that ye be not judged. This is not to be understood of any sort of judgment; not of judgment in the civil courts of judicature, by proper magistrates, which ought to be made and pass, according to the nature of the case; nor of judgment in the churches of Christ, where offenders are to be called to an account, examined, tried, and dealt with according to the rules of the Gospel; nor of every private judgment, which one man may make upon another, without any detriment to him; but of rash judgment, interpreting men's words and deeds to the worst ”
  11. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
  12. Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 6:37: 6:37-42 Do not judge others: Jesus condemned hypocritical judgment that denigrated another person. Those who condemn others will be judged by that same standard. God requires his people to love others by warning them of the dangers of sin (Gal 6:1; Heb 3:13). Exhortation is an act of love; judgment is an act of pride.”
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