Thou Shalt Not Judge
Let’s talk about Moral Judgement.
Jesus himself taught, "Judge not, lest you be judged," and warned that "as you judge, so you will be judged." These teachings are not just about avoiding harshness toward others; they're about staying connected to life itself. Judgment is not about discernment—it’s about the moral categorization that fogs the mind and deadens the spirit.
When we judge, we fall out of sync with the present, vibrant moment, cutting ourselves off from the aliveness of reality. This disconnection leads to a sense of aloneness, which fosters compulsions, addictions, and ultimately, suffering.
By clinging to judgment, we not only lose touch with others but with ourselves as well. Our judgments obscure clarity, invite inflammation into our physical and emotional bodies, and foster self-defensiveness.
In seeking to make ourselves feel important through judgment, we often delude ourselves, as historical figures like Al Capone or Adolf Hitler did, believing that their destructive actions were righteous or necessary.
The key is to return to childlike wonder, where we see things without the fog of judgment. Discernment, when used with love and care, helps guide our actions. But the ego, when unchecked, twists this discernment into judgment, cutting us off from the very life that Jesus and other spiritual teachers sought to reconnect us with.
The ego wants to cut us off from our relatives. It wants us to view the world as separate from us and not part of us. This is why Jesus commands us to love our enemies. Our enemies in life are often suffering from their own wounds that they know not how to heal. Hurt people hurt people.
But don't we need judgement?
Of course! Judgment plays a critical role in life, and it should not be dismissed. We do need judgment, especially when it comes to moral discernment and understanding the difference between good and evil. The law of God, as outlined in sacred texts like the Torah, provides the moral framework that guides us in making these judgments. The issue is not judgment itself, but the way in which we wield it—whether we use it for discernment or whether we allow ego to turn it into a weapon.
For instance, in the Torah, we encounter the story of the Amalekites. God commands the Israelites to "blot out the memory of Amalek" (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) because of Amalek’s unjust attack on Israel. This was not a call for indiscriminate violence or vengeance, but rather a necessary confrontation with evil. The Amalekites posed a threat not only to Israel but to the moral fabric of society. They embodied an ongoing danger to the innocent, and to allow such evil to continue unchecked would have been a failure to uphold justice.
In this context, judgment is necessary and good. It is through God’s law that we understand the nature of justice and the requirement to confront evil when it presents itself as an ongoing, destructive force. But the key is that this judgment is rooted in divine law, not personal ego or desire for dominance. The judgment here serves the higher good—it protects the innocent and upholds justice in the face of clear and present danger.
So while discernment and judgment are vital in understanding and confronting evil, the danger lies in when the ego takes over. Ego-driven judgment often stems from pride, fear, or a desire for superiority. It seeks to label and condemn others not for the sake of justice, but for the sake of self-righteousness. This is where we must be careful not to confuse ego-based judgment with the righteous judgment that comes from divine law.
God’s law provides the moral clarity to differentiate between good and evil, but it also reminds us to act with humility and care. The story of the Amalekites teaches that evil must sometimes be confronted and destroyed, but it also underscores the importance of aligning our judgments with a higher moral code. This prevents judgment from becoming a tool of the ego and keeps it anchored in truth and justice.
In this way, judgment, when rooted in God’s law, becomes a force for good. It helps us to protect the innocent, confront evil, and maintain the integrity of a just society. It’s a delicate balance—using judgment wisely without letting the ego turn it into something destructive.
What's the Difference between Judgement and Moral Judgement?
Separating moral judgment from judgment as a force of good requires us to understand their different foundations and intentions. Moral judgment often stems from the ego, while judgment as a force of good is rooted in divine law, compassion, and justice. The key is in the motivation and the process behind the judgment. Here’s how we can distinguish the two:
1. Intention: Ego vs. Higher Good
Moral judgment often arises from ego—our desire to feel superior, to label others, or to project our fears and insecurities. This kind of judgment seeks to divide, objectify, and distance us from others. It’s about asserting dominance or proving we’re right.
Judgment as a force of good, on the other hand, is motivated by a desire to uphold justice, protect the innocent, and align with divine will. It is rooted in compassion and humility, with the goal of serving the greater good rather than inflating our own sense of self.
Reflection Question: When making a judgment, ask yourself: “Am I doing this to lift up or tear down? Is my motive self-serving or aligned with truth and justice?”
2. Source: Personal Bias vs. Divine Law
Moral judgment is often based on personal bias, opinions, and emotions. It may come from cultural conditioning, past experiences, or societal norms that are not always in line with the higher moral order.
Judgment as a force of good is grounded in divine law—principles that are eternal and universal. In the case of the Torah, God’s law sets the standard for justice and righteousness. The example of destroying the Amalekites was not an impulsive or personal judgment; it was a directive grounded in the need to confront evil that threatened the moral and spiritual well-being of the community.
Reflection Question: Is my judgment based on my own opinions or on higher principles, such as justice, mercy, and truth?
3. Method: Condemnation vs. Discernment
Moral judgment tends to condemn and reduce people to simplistic labels or categories. It focuses on the failings or perceived flaws of others and often leads to harshness or exclusion. When we morally judge, we place others outside of our compassion and regard, seeing them as less than human or irredeemable.
Judgment as a force of good is about discernment—seeing clearly what is right and wrong without dehumanizing others. It seeks to correct and guide rather than to condemn. This kind of judgment is not about punishment or revenge but about restoration and protection of the moral order.
Reflection Question: Am I seeking to understand the full picture, or am I quick to label and condemn?
4. Outcome: Division vs. Healing
Moral judgment often leads to division and alienation. It creates “us vs. them” scenarios and builds walls between people. This kind of judgment damages relationships, fosters resentment, and leaves little room for reconciliation or understanding.
Judgment as a force of good is ultimately aimed at healing—whether that’s healing a relationship, a community, or even the soul. Even when judgment requires confronting evil (as in the case of the Amalekites), it is done to protect the innocent and uphold justice. In other situations, judgment seeks to guide people back to righteousness, not cast them out permanently.
Reflection Question: Is this judgment leading to deeper division, or is it ultimately for healing, protection, and restoration?
5. Spirit: Self-Righteousness vs. Humility
Moral judgment is often marked by self-righteousness—the belief that we have all the answers or that we are morally superior to others. This type of judgment feeds pride and leads us to elevate ourselves while looking down on others.
Judgment as a force of good is humble. It recognizes that we, too, are flawed and in need of grace. While we may be called to make difficult judgments, we do so with the understanding that we are not the ultimate judge—God is. Our role is to act in accordance with divine principles, not to act out of personal pride or ego.
Reflection Question: Am I approaching this with humility and the awareness of my own limitations, or am I acting out of self-righteousness?
Practical Steps to Separate the Two:
Cultivate Self-Awareness: Regularly examine your own motives and thoughts. Are you judging to feel superior or to genuinely protect and uphold justice?
Seek Divine Guidance: Turn to scripture, prayer, or reflection to align your judgments with the higher moral order rather than with personal opinions. Consider how God’s law informs your perspective.
Practice Compassion: Even when judgment is necessary, approach it with compassion. Understand that everyone is on a journey, and seek to uplift rather than tear down.
Check for Bias: Be mindful of your own biases and how they may color your judgment. Strive to see situations clearly and without personal distortion.
Remember the Purpose of Judgment: Judgment is meant to guide, correct, and protect, not to punish or destroy. Focus on how your judgment serves the well-being of others and society as a whole.
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