The Bible warns us about judging others. Matthew 7:1 tells us: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

That warning should be enough to keep us from judging others, but it doesn’t.

Many Christians use the term discernment (spiritual judgment) as an excuse for taking someone’s personal inventory, but without the Spirit directing us, it’s just plain judging.

I’ve been guilty of that.

As I’ve grown older and prayerfully wiser, I’ve found that the Bible gives us ways of knowing people without judging them.

In fact, it’s more accurate, because it’s clear in defining anyone. In ICorinthians 15:33 it says: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

One negative person can pollute any group and make life miserable for the others.

It’s the same as the old saying that one rotten apple will spoil the whole bushel.

“A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the friends he chooses.” Proverbs 27:19.

I didn’t read the Bible until I was 45 years old. Prior to that, I believed in God and went to church, but I wasn’t a Christian. I had a bad reputation because of the choices I made and my ungodly behavior.

Do I blame the company I kept?

No, it was all on me, but it didn’t bother the company I kept.

Today, I choose my friends who love me, encourage me and challenge me to never depart from how God wants me to live.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.