Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
judge one.
Romans 14:4,10 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand…
James 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
but.
Luke 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
put.
Romans 9:32,33 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; …
Romans 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
or.
2 Samuel 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility in maintaining the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. The "stumbling block" metaphor is drawn from the physical world, where an object might cause someone to trip and fall. Spiritually, it refers to actions or attitudes that might lead others into sin or cause them to falter in their faith. This concept is echoed in 1 Corinthians 8:9, where Paul warns against using one's freedom in a way that might harm a weaker brother. The call to "make up your mind" suggests a deliberate and conscious decision to prioritize the spiritual health of others, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ, who is the ultimate example of putting others first (Philippians 2:3-8).
• Paul begins with “Therefore,” linking back to Romans 14:10–12, where every believer will “stand before God’s judgment seat.” Since God alone is Judge (Isaiah 33:22), we relinquish the role of condemning fellow believers.
• Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1–2 echo the same call: “Do not judge, or you will be judged.”
• James 4:11–12 warns that judging a brother usurps God’s law.
• Instead of labeling others over disputable matters (Romans 14:1), we focus on our own walk, trusting the Lord to correct and refine His people.
• The phrase shifts us from a negative—stop judging—to a deliberate positive action: decide ahead of time how to love well.
• Philippians 2:4 calls us to look “not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,” showing that intentionality matters.
• Purposeful resolve keeps minor issues from becoming relational landmines. We choose unity because Christ chose us (John 17:20–21).
• Practical ways to “make up your mind”:
– Pray before speaking about gray areas.
– Ask, “Will this build up?” (1 Corinthians 10:23).
– Be ready to lay aside preferences for the sake of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
• A “stumbling block” pictures something that trips another believer’s faith or conscience. 1 Corinthians 8:9–13 illustrates this with food offered to idols; freedom must never wound a weaker conscience.
• Jesus issues a stern warning in Matthew 18:6 against causing “one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble.”
• Stumbling blocks today may include:
– Flaunting liberty (e.g., entertainment choices) before someone still wrestling with that issue.
– Speaking harshly about secondary doctrines, leading others into division (Titus 3:9–10).
– Insensitivity to cultures or backgrounds that could hinder someone’s growth (Acts 15:19–21).
• Love willingly limits itself: “If food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again” (1 Corinthians 8:13). We mirror Christ, who laid down His rights to save us (Philippians 2:5–8).
Romans 14:13 calls believers to stop acting as judges over one another and, instead, to make a conscious decision to protect fellow Christians from anything that would trip their faith. By choosing love over criticism, intentional care over indifference, and self-restraint over personal rights, we honor the Lord who will ultimately judge us all and foster unity in His body.
(13) Judge this rather.--The word "judge" forms the connecting-link between what follows and what has gone before. If any judgment is to be formed at all, let it be rather as a principle to guide our own action, and not in the shape of a criticism upon others. This principle, in the case of those who are themselves liberal and large-minded, should be not to put temptation in the way of their weaker brethren.Stumblingblock or an occasion to fall.--The same words that occur in Romans 9:33. That translated "occasion to fall," is the origin of our word "scandal." It is properly a trap or snare. Both the idea and the word are found in Matthew 18:6 (= Mark 9:42), where it is disguised by the translation "offend," in the sense of "cause to stumble." The same translation appears frequently elsewhere. One of the special characteristics of Christianity is its tenderness for the weak