In God’s Gift of Wisdom: Using God’s Counsel To Your Advantage, the pillar of judgment is presented as an essential part of wisdom. Every day, people make decisions that affect their lives, relationships, and service to God. Some choices seem small, while others carry significant consequences. For this reason, the author teaches that believers should rely on God’s gift of judgment rather than on their own ability.
The pillar of judgment helps believers understand God’s will and make decisions that align with His Word. Through Godly Judgment, believers can avoid haste, seek God’s guidance, and walk with greater confidence in the direction He provides.
What Is Judgment?
The book defines judgment as the ability that helps people make keen and sound decisions. Some judgments require immediate action, while others allow time for careful thought and prayer.
The author explains that prudent judgment requires a person to observe, consider, and evaluate a matter before reaching a conclusion. While some decisions involve natural instincts, many require complete dependence on the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of Godly Judgment is not merely to choose between options but to seek God’s direction in every circumstance.
Why Judgment Matters
Throughout life, believers are faced with questions such as:
- What should I do?
- Where should I go?
- When should I act?
The author teaches that wisdom is demonstrated through careful decision-making. Rather than rushing ahead, believers should seek God and allow His Spirit to guide them.
When judgment is rooted in God’s counsel, decisions become more stable and purposeful. The believer learns to trust God’s leading instead of relying solely on personal reasoning.
Matters We Should Judge
A major emphasis of the chapter is that God instructs believers to judge certain matters.
The book teaches that believers should judge:
- Their own conduct
- Matters within the body of Christ
- Whether members are walking according to God’s Word
- Whether prophets and teachers are truly led by the Spirit of God
- Who is qualified to serve as bishops and deacons
The author explains that these judgments should always be based upon God’s Word. Believers are called to exercise discernment while maintaining sincerity and truth.
This aspect of Godly Judgment helps preserve order, faithfulness, and sound doctrine within the body of Christ.
Matters We Should Not Judge
While God instructs believers to judge some matters, He also places clear limits on what should not be judged.
According to the book, believers should not judge:
- The motives of others
- The intentions of the heart
- Personal appearance
- Matters known only to God
The author emphasizes that God alone knows the hidden counsels of the heart. Because of this, believers should avoid condemning others based on assumptions or outward observations.
The chapter encourages readers to remember that all judgment ultimately belongs to Jesus Christ. Understanding this truth helps believers remain humble and dependent upon God.
The Danger of Hasty Decisions
One of the most practical lessons in the chapter concerns haste.
The author teaches that Satan desires people to rush their decisions. If believers act without seeking God, they may be drawn away from His will. By contrast, when they wait upon God and seek His direction, they are better equipped to make wise choices.
The book reminds readers that peace is important in decision-making. Rather than acting out of panic or pressure, believers should allow the peace of God to rule in their hearts.
Through Godly Judgment, believers learn to pause, pray, and carefully consider a matter before acting.
The Three Characteristics of Judgment
Near the conclusion of the chapter, the author identifies three important characteristics of judgment.
Patience
Patience allows believers to wait upon God and avoid rushing into decisions. It helps them remain steady while seeking His direction.
Observation
Observation involves carefully examining a situation. Believers should look for possible solutions and opportunities while remaining attentive to God’s leading.
Consideration
Consideration requires thoughtful evaluation of consequences, benefits, and concerns. The author encourages believers to leave no important matter overlooked.
Together, these qualities strengthen Godly Judgment and help believers remain aligned with God’s counsel.
Seeking God’s Will Through Judgment
The pillar of judgment teaches that wisdom involves more than knowledge. It requires applying God’s counsel when decisions must be made. Whether facing a simple choice or a significant matter, believers are encouraged to seek God in prayer and trust His guidance.
The author explains that God is forbearing, aware, and thoughtful. As believers follow His example, they learn to approach decisions with patience, observation, and consideration.
Conclusion
The pillar of judgment provides practical guidance for understanding God’s will. Through Godly Judgment, believers learn to make sound decisions, judge matters according to God’s Word, and avoid judging what belongs to God alone.
By seeking God’s direction rather than acting hastily, believers can walk in wisdom and confidence. As taught in God’s Gift of Wisdom, judgment is a valuable gift that helps guide every area of life according to God’s counsel.