It takes so little effort not to judge your neighbor, and life becomes so much easier for those who do not judge others. And yet so few people make the effort.
In the lives of the saints there is a story about how an elder saw in a dream a deceased monk who was weak in life but who was now in the best place in heaven. He asked what this unworthy monk, who had so many weaknesses, did to deserve such a great blessing. He received the following answer: throughout his life he did not judge a single person.
Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
— Romans 2:1
Do not judge other people’s actions. By judging others we trouble ourselves to no purpose and make bigger mistakes. Look into yourselves, and your effort will not be in vain.
— From “Devout Thoughts”
The more severely and mercilessly you judge yourself, the more justly and leniently you will judge others.
— Confucius
Do not seek honor in other people’s dishonor.
It befits a good person to hide other people’s shame, even of those who harmed him.
Do not remind the one who is repentant of his former transgressions.
— The Talmud
It is easy to see other people’s errors, but difficult to see your own; people like to talk about their neighbor’s mistakes, but they hide their own, like a thief trying to hide his lock pick.
The human being likes to judge others; he sees only other people’s mistakes, while his own passions keep growing, moving him ever further away from improvement.
— The Dhammapada
As long as you yourself are sinful, speak not a word about the sins of others.
— Tablets of the Bab
Break the habit of voicing your judgments of others, and you will feel your soul more capable of love, you will feel a growth of life and wellbeing.
