Judging Others

Sometimes people feel that it is wrong to judge others in

any way. While it is true that you should not condemn others

or judge them unrighteously, you will need to make judgments

of ideas, situations, and people throughout your life.

The Lord has given many commandments that you cannot

keep without making judgments. For example, He has said:

“Beware of false prophets. . . . Ye shall know them by their

fruits” (Matthew 7:15–16) and “Go ye out from among the

wicked” (D&C 38:42). You need to make judgments of people

in many of your important decisions, such as choosing

friends, voting for government leaders, and choosing an eternal

companion.

Judgment is an important use of your agency and

requires great care, especially when you make judgments

about other people. All your judgments must be guided

by righteous standards. Remember that only God, who

knows each individual’s heart, can make final judgments of

individuals (see Revelation 20:12; 3 Nephi 27:14; D&C 137:9).

The Lord gave a warning to guide us in our judgment of

others: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged;

and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you

again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s

eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own

eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the

mote out of thine eye—and behold, a beam is in thine own

eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye;

and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy

brother’s eye” (3 Nephi 14:2–5).

In this scripture passage the Lord teaches that a fault we

see in another is often like a tiny speck in that person’s eye,

compared to our own faults, which are like an enormous

beam in our eyes. Sometimes we focus on others’ faults when

we should instead be working to improve ourselves.

Your righteous judgments about others can provide

needed guidance for them and, in some cases, protection for

you and your family. Approach any such judgment with care

and compassion. As much as you can, judge people’s situations

rather than judging the people themselves. Whenever

possible, refrain from making judgments until you have an

adequate knowledge of the facts. Always be sensitive to the

Holy Spirit, who can guide your decisions. Remember

Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton: “See that you are merciful

unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and

do good continually” (Alma 41:14).

Additional references: 1 Samuel 16:7; Moroni 7:14–19; D&C 11:12

See also Charity; Forgiveness; Love; Mercy