James 4:12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
How we speak to others can be a form of judging. We can speak negative and criticizing words to them because we view their actions as improper by our own assessment. James reminds his readers that God is the judge. God judges in two obvious ways. First, God through His Word, the Bible, passes judgment on many evil and sinful actions. Careful study and honesty will reveal to us many things revealed in the Bible that obviously should be followed and obeyed. Second, God will judge all people someday based on the revelation God gave in the Bible. This revelation will include what we might call “natural revelation” which is also mentioned in the Bible (see Romans 2:14). Judgment belongs to God. James may be reflecting on Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 about not judging others. We must be loving and build others up, not tear them in evil talk. This does not rule out the need to correct others when they are wrong. There is a place for this, but the criteria we use is God’s judgment upon these actions as found in the Bible, not our own assessment of the situation. That is one reason why it is so important that we know the Bible. We should also spend much time in prayer before correcting a wayward brother or sister.
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