Humans Are Neither the Lawgiver Nor the Judge - 04/21/2024

James gives another proverb-like command when he talks about speaking and judging negatively about our fellow Christians. He says Christians are not to “speak against one another” nor are they to “judge [their] brother” (James 4:11, 12).

Addressing them as “brethren,” James says when a person slanders another Christian then they are “speaking against the law.” Their motivation is to expose someone so as to bring shame upon them by giving false information or misrepresenting truthful information. The intent is to disgrace.

When a Christian tries to censure someone by pronouncing a judgment upon them, then he is judging the law. He is passing judgment upon another person’s opinion so as to condemn them. This is different when it comes to biblical truth, from the standpoint we can pronounce judgment upon another’s actions, because we are only applying what is written by the inspired writers.

The main reason James gives for why a Christian cannot speak in such a critical way along with a condemning judgment is because “there is only one Lawgiver and judge;” the same person “who is able to save and to destroy.” James is implying we are neither, by asking, “Who are you who judge your neighbor?” Another human being’s speech or judgment will not send one to hell and likewise they cannot grant one heaven.

It should not be concluded that we cannot disagree with one another’s opinion. We can. Nor should we conclude we cannot think someone’s thoughts, actions and ideas are wrong. We can. We should conclude that when we speak and pass judgment we must do so in a manner as to not harm a person’s reputation. We cannot be in the “attack” mode.

It is very common for people to think that nothing can be said negatively about anyone. If that were true, then we could never disagree with someone. This type of thinking leads us to the conclusion that everything is right and nothing is wrong, regardless of what is said, done or thought.

While there can be agreement that everyone is entitled to their opinion, it must be equally agreed upon that a person’s opinion does not have to be accepted by everyone. We can decide to disagree or to speak against another’s opinion, but it must be done out of love to help and not out of a desire to hurt.

Christians must remember we are not the lawgiver nor the judge. Like everyone else, we are accountable to God’s laws. We must remember it is His judgment that either saves or destroys. Remembering we are neither the lawgiver nor the judge will help us to be living God’s way. - cgm

Scriptural quotations from the NASB1995.