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Most people think that if we just teach the truth then we don’t have to address error. However, error dies a slow death and must be exposed by the Truth.

The writers of the Bible did not believe in the concept of “just teaching the truth.” Numerous letters were written addressing the false views and practices that arose in the early Church that challenged the Truth. (1Cor., Galatians, Colossians, 2 Thess. 2nd John, Jude, etc.). They were both taught what is right (the Truth) and warned about what is wrong.

How Are We To Practice Biblical Judgment?

The Bible teaches and encourages us to judge, not to ignore. There are two prominent Greek words translated as “discernment.” One is anakrino, which means to “examine” or “judge closely.” The other is diakrino, which means “to separate out,” “to investigate,” or “to examine.”

If something is harmful to others and destroys the Truth we are encouraged to say something, not ignore it. If we know it is wrong, it becomes sin not to speak (James 4:17, Romans 14:23). But we are to have a right attitude in this as well. Because people do not often listen to the content as much as the attitude in it, they often will not hear what one is saying. They look for an excuse to blame the challenger instead of addressing the issue.

Jesus called false doctrine the leaven of the Pharisees. We are to be careful as to what we eat. Jesus further states, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing.” (Mt.7: 15). How can we know false prophets unless we make a judgment call based on the Word of God? If we know that there are false prophets, wouldn’t neglecting the examination of all teachings be opening up the sheep to the attacks of these “ravening wolves?”