Great Construction

Judge Others Not


     Among believers there are often those who without realizing it come to commit the mistake of judging others, so I address the subject here. I do believe I have previously written on this topic, but as even now instances of this behavior come to my ears, again I take up my pen.
     Others are often judged to be good or bad, and even in some horrifying cases, said to be possessed by evil spirits so watch out for them. To judge others in such a way is a tremendous mistake. Those who label others as possessed are themselves possessed. Human beings cannot know the good or evil, right or wrong of another human being because this knowledge belongs to the domain of God. Those who make such judgments are invading and occupying the level or position of God, and thus their actions are a flagrant descent into conceit.
     Therefore, as it is this kind of individual whom it would not be a mistake to consider evil, great care should be taken. Of course, these types do not really believe in God, and they often say in a manner that reeks of seriousness, “that guy’s faith is mistaken,” or “that church’s way of doing things is wrong so it should be reformed,” but if there truly is an evil individual among believers, God will judge that individual, so the problem should be left to God. No human concern is necessary. Not to believe so is to believe more in the power of human beings than that of God. There is no greater example of willfulness, of mistaken conceit. The divine being of the highest level presides over World Messianity, so when a follower makes mistakes, first an effort is made to get the person to realize the mistake, but in instances where the mistake is not perceived, it often happens that life is taken. Followers who have been with me for quite a while will know what I am talking about.
     Thus, the dictum, judge others not should be strictly observed; it is sufficient to continually judge yourself. Those who do so are individuals who truly understand God.  

Eikō, Issue 157, page A1, May 21, 1952
translated by cynndd

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“Hito o Sabaku Nakare,” originally published at the top of the front page of Eikō, Issue 157, May 21, 1952, was reprinted in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 55, March 25, 1954. “Hito o Sabaku Nakare” has appeared previously in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Do Not Pass Judgment upon Others,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 346.

“Judge Not,” Daily Inspirations, 2002, page 92 (translation excerpted by half).

“Judge Not,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Four, 2007, page 24.

“Judge Yourself, Not Others,” Reaching for Faith, 2010, page 71.

“Do Not Judge Others,” Meishu and His Teachings, no date, page 81.