JUDGING

Man's nature has that disgusting disease of restless prying and unseasonable curiosity. . .called "judging", a sin that has no accompanying pleasure but only punishment in store for it.  Even if we are the worst of men, we insist on becoming the judges and inquisitors of our neighbours.  And we love to judge and ridicule those who are dear to God, while revering the evil ones because of their fluent speech. 

This is how we judge: this one is worthy, the other isn't; this one is better, the other is bad; this one is inferior, etc. . .In the meantime, we forget to look at our own evil ways. 

O man, why do you judge others?  You are to judge your own doings, not others'.  Judging is God's office, not man's. 

To do good and be proud of it is displeasing to God.  To do evil and be proud of it is disgusting to God AND this is what you do when you judge. 

Ordinarily, it is impossible for man to know all his sins; he needs someone to help and reprove him.  Most of the evils that man does escape him.  There are many things that appear fair to him but in fact are great evils.  It is even possible to do good with a wrong purpose.  If it is that difficult to know our sins, how can we judge others' sins? 

So, MAN, do not judge; for by the same judgment, God will judge you.   

John Chrysostom,  "On Cor."

(07-23-05)