Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:True judgment, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the discernment and execution of justice in accordance with God's standards. It embodies fairness, righteousness, and impartiality, reflecting the character of God Himself. True judgment is not merely a human endeavor but a divine mandate that calls for alignment with God's will and His revealed Word. Biblical Foundation: The concept of true judgment is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where God is depicted as the ultimate Judge who embodies perfect justice. In Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the divine standard of judgment that believers are called to emulate. Old Testament Insights: The Old Testament provides numerous examples and instructions regarding true judgment. In Leviticus 19:15, the Israelites are commanded, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This directive emphasizes the importance of impartiality and fairness in judgment. The prophets frequently called out the leaders and people of Israel for failing to execute true judgment. In Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Here, acting justly is presented as a fundamental requirement of God's people. New Testament Teachings: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies true judgment through His teachings and actions. In John 7:24, He instructs, "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly." This call to righteous judgment highlights the need to look beyond superficial factors and to discern according to God's truth. The apostle Paul also addresses the concept of true judgment in his epistles. In Romans 2:2, he writes, "And we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth." Paul emphasizes that God's judgment is rooted in truth, serving as a model for believers to follow. Practical Application: True judgment requires believers to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit, as human judgment is often flawed by sin and bias. James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that "He gives generously to all without finding fault." This divine wisdom is essential for making judgments that align with God's righteousness. Furthermore, true judgment involves a commitment to justice and mercy, as seen in the life and ministry of Jesus. Believers are called to advocate for the oppressed and to stand against injustice, reflecting God's heart for righteousness and equity. Conclusion: True judgment, as depicted in the Bible, is a reflection of God's perfect justice and righteousness. It calls for impartiality, truth, and alignment with divine principles, challenging believers to seek God's wisdom and to act justly in all circumstances. Subtopics Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works The Judgment of Christians, by the Gospel The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience The Judgment of Jews, by the Law of Moses The Judgment: A Day Appointed For The Judgment: A First Principle of the Gospel The Judgment: Called The: Day of Destruction The Judgment: Called The: Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men The Judgment: Called The: Day of Wrath The Judgment: Called The: Judgment of the Great Day The Judgment: Called The: Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God The Judgment: Christ Will Acknowledge Saints At The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At The Judgment: Final Punishment of the Wicked Will Succeed The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In The Judgment: Perfect Love Will Give Boldness In The Judgment: Predicted in the Old Testament The Judgment: Saints Shall be Rewarded At The Judgment: Saints Shall Sit With Christ In The Judgment: Saints Shall, Through Christ, be Enabled to Stand In The Judgment: Shall be Administered by Christ The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Men The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Nations The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Quick and Dead The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Small and Great The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: The Righteous and Wicked The Judgment: Shall be in Righteousness The Judgment: Shall be of All: Actions The Judgment: Shall be of All: Thoughts The Judgment: Shall be of All: Words The Judgment: Shall Take Place at the Coming of Christ The Judgment: The Books Shall be Opened At The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Faith The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Holiness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance The Judgment: The Wicked Dread The Judgment: The Wicked Shall be Condemned In The Judgment: The Word of Christ Shall be a Witness Against the Wicked In The Judgment: Time of, Unknown to Us The Judgment: Warn the Wicked of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |