The word “prejudice” simply means to “prejudge” or to make a determination before looking into the truth of the matter. Webster says of the word, “(1) preconceived judgment or opinion (2) an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.” Another word that often is used to define “prejudice” is “bias.” Webster says that “bias” is “an inclination of temperament or outlook; a highly personal and unreasoned distortion of judgment; one’s tendency.”
Here is the unfortunate thing; people confuse “prejudice” with “judgment.” If I make a judgment about a certain doctrine, lifestyle or practice, then I may be accused of prejudice by someone! This is not the case at all! Oftentimes, I may be called prejudiced in an attempt to divert the attention from the issue and discredit my character.
Judgment is something that should be exercised in all aspects of life. Jesus insisted that we “judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Jesus named “judgment” along with “mercy” and “faith” as important matters that we should exercise (Matthew 23:23).
The Greek word for “judge” is “krino.” It means to “judge,” “determine,” “condemn,” “go to law,” “call in question” or “esteem.” Webster says “judge” is “to form an opinion about a matter through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises; to determine or pronounce after inquiry and deliberation.”
To have an opinion (judgment) about anything without knowing about it is indeed folly! However, to abstain from an opinion (judgment) after studying the facts is irresponsible! I must come to a conclusion (judgment) concerning important issues in my life.
What could be more important than my soul? I must carefully weigh out the truths and make a determination (judgment) as to which doctrine is true and which is false. If I make a judgment based on others’ opinions or because I “feel” a tendency to go in that direction, without knowing anything about the doctrine, it is folly! If I fail to make any judgment or commitment at all, even after having studied the issues, then I am irresponsible with my soul’s future!
Don’t be prejudiced, but do make righteous judgments!
