In a world where appearances often guide first impressions, it’s easy to mistake the exterior for the whole truth. But John 7:24 tells us, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” This powerful reminder calls us to go beyond surface-level judgments and take the time to understand what lies beneath. Only then can we truly judge with clarity, compassion, and wisdom.
The Trap of Surface-Level Judgments
An all-too-common mistake is to assume the best or worst about someone based on what we immediately see. Sometimes we might place our trust in the wrong people simply because they present themselves well. It’s like receiving a beautifully wrapped gift; without checking what’s inside, we assume it holds something valuable. But when we finally open it, we may find it’s not what we hoped for, or even something harmful.
In relationships, this kind of surface judgment can be especially risky. People can say all the right things or make us feel special, but if we overlook deeper qualities—such as character, honesty, and respect—we risk placing our trust in someone who might not have our best interests at heart. When we only see what we want to believe about a person, we judge based on appearances, mistaking charm for integrity.
Seeing Good in the Wrong Places
Our judgments are often clouded by our own desires. Sometimes, we want so badly to see good in someone that we overlook clear warning signs. This is where “judging with right judgment” becomes so important. Jesus reminds us not to avoid judgment entirely, but to take care in how we judge. Right judgment requires discernment, patience, and a willingness to see beyond the outer layers of people and situations.
Imagine a gardener who plants seeds, then digs them up every few days to see if they’re growing. In their eagerness for results, they disrupt the natural process, damaging the roots and stunting the plants. In the same way, when we rush to judgment—either positively or negatively—we can damage relationships and misunderstand intentions. Good judgment involves allowing people time to reveal their true character rather than rushing to see what we want to see.
The Importance of Discernment in Building Trust
When we judge wisely, we open ourselves up to the reality of who people are, both their strengths and their flaws. True discernment means taking a step back from what we want to believe and asking questions that lead us to the truth. It means choosing not to overlook inconsistencies or red flags simply because we’re drawn to someone’s charm or attention. Right judgment is about assessing character over charisma, trustworthiness over appearance, and integrity over image.
The Wisdom of Listening and Observing Carefully
A significant part of right judgment is the humility to listen and observe. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” When we take the time to understand someone’s background, motivations, and intentions, we approach them with greater empathy and accuracy. Listening to understand, rather than listening to judge, transforms our perceptions and brings us closer to God’s perspective—a view that sees the heart rather than just the surface.
Judging with Compassion and Patience
Judging with right judgment also calls us to approach others with compassion. We all have our own challenges, and sometimes people behave in ways that reflect those struggles rather than their true character. When we take the time to see beneath the surface, we may discover pain, insecurity, or history that shapes their actions. Compassionate judgment seeks understanding and healing rather than division or assumptions.
Conclusion: Embracing Jesus’s Call to Right Judgment
John 7:24 challenges us to move beyond quick judgments and to invest in truly understanding others. It calls us to approach people and situations with patience, discernment, and love, giving us a vision that aligns with God’s. When we embrace the practice of judging rightly, we build relationships based on truth rather than illusion, depth rather than assumptions.
Let’s make a commitment to judge with right judgment—not judging by appearances, but by taking the time to know the truth that lies beneath. When we do this, we honor others as God would, offering grace, discernment, and understanding to those around us, and also protecting ourselves from possible danger.
Be blessed and we well my friend 🤍
©️2024 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.
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