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Book of John - Chapter 7 - Verse 24

7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Meaning

When Jesus said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment," he was emphasizing the importance of looking beyond superficial appearances when forming opinions or making judgments about others. This verse encourages us to not make assumptions based solely on what we see on the surface, but to instead seek to understand the true essence of a person or situation before passing judgment. Jesus calls for a deeper level of discernment that is based on truth, fairness, and wisdom. By practicing righteous judgment, we are able to see beyond external factors and consider the heart, intentions, and circumstances of those around us. This verse serves as a reminder to approach others with empathy, understanding, and grace, rather than jumping to conclusions based on outward appearances.

Theological Overview

When Jesus said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment," he was instructing his followers to use discernment based on God's standards rather than superficial judgments. The word "judge" in this verse comes from the Greek word "krino," which means to evaluate, discern, or decide. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of looking beyond outward appearances and making decisions based on God's truth and righteousness. It is a call to seek wisdom and understanding from God in order to make fair and just assessments of situations and people. By focusing on righteous judgment, Christians are encouraged to treat others with love, compassion, and grace, rather than being quick to condemn or criticize based on outward appearances. This verse serves as a reminder to approach all matters with a spirit of humility, seeking guidance from God to make decisions that are in line with His will.

American Standard Version

Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
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