One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This saying is true.
Summary: Looking closely at this passage we find ourselves challenged to look at the meaning of the Greek word, “krino.” Krino means “judge,” and there are many ways of using that word. We need to apply it correctly in this case.
Today’s passage has always stood out to me as an anomaly. Somehow, it seems inconsistent with Christ’s teachings and Paul’s faith.
Why?
Jesus talks a lot about love. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:38), is the second half of the “Greatest Commandment.” Is it loving to state that some people are “liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons?”
Another reason this passage seems incongruous with Jesus’ teachings is that little stickler from Matthew 7: 1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (KJV). When Paul says, “This saying is true,” it sounds a lot like he has judged Cretans to be “liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
So now the question becomes, “Is there a way to reconcile Paul’s statement with Christ’s teachings?”
I suppose one way to look at it is that maybe this is just a lapse on Paul’s part. After all, he is only human. But he is also very careful with his words. It seems unlike him, even as a human, to lapse into words that put the lie to everything else he says. So what if what it says is consistent with the Gospel? Does Jesus approve of this passage?
My guiding principle when it comes to the Bible is that if God could create the world and all that is in it, he could get a book published, too. And, it would be exactly the way he wanted it to be. So let’s assume for a moment that this passage is indeed consistent with the rest of God’s Word.
Let’s also assume that Paul is speaking in love. I say this because he goes on to explain how to teach these Cretans. Because of their culture and who they are, they need to be treated in a certain way. It is a bit like speaking a foreign language. You wouldn’t send a Russian speaking evangelist to Spain. In the same way, Paul knew the person teaching the Cretes would need to be able to get their attention.
So is he right to judge them the way he did? The Greek word for “judge” is “krino.” Krino is a multidimensional word with many applications. The way it is used in Matthew 7:1 means to “assume the office of a judge.” (Vines Expository Dictionary) This we are forbidden to do. The kind of judgment Paul is expressing here is an opinion. Scripture encourages us to make proper judgments in this way. (See Luke 7:43; John 7:24; Acts 4:19; Romans 14:5)
Jesus treated Martha and Mary differently (Luke 10:38-42), and some disciples differently than others (Mark 5:37). In the same way, we need to understand who we are dealing with and treat them according to their needs.
Maybe today’s passage isn’t such an anomaly after all.
Application: Use your God-given insight and discernment to treat people according to their needs.
Food for Thought: How do we tell the difference between someone who is sitting in judgment (forbidden by Jesus) and someone who is exercising judgment (encouraged by Jesus)?
I do not know if this is an adequate answer. The apostle Paul did receive at times direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that all of scripture is inspired and truly trustworthy. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I may not understand exactly why a certain phrase is quoted in scripture. Your interpretation and explanation seems acceptable. I do know I have my hands full just obeying the parts of scripture which all perfectly clear and are not at all difficult to interpret.
For my part, I would note the apostle James says “Every man should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
Jimmy Stewart plays a character in the stage play and movie called Elwood P. Dowd. He is asked why he treats people the way he does. His character makes an amazing statement. He says My dear, I have learned that to get along in this world one must be either, Oh so, smart, or Oh so, pleasant. I find it much easier to be pleasant. It seems usually better to try to be pleasant and helpful, and to be kind to people if they will allow you to do so.. The saying “It is easier to attract flies with honey than with vinegar is likely correct. If I want flies outside instead of inside I might place something sweet like honey outside and the flies would likely go outside instead of staying inside, at least in pleasant weather.
Proverbs 25;11-13 has some interesting insights about our words. It says in part. ” A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Since gold and silver are personified as the fruit of Godly wisdom. (Proverbs 8:19), then a delicious, fresh. ripe apple in this setting is a beautiful, delicious, an attractive object. So also are pleasant, godly, and appropriate words timed appropriately, and spoken, at just the proper moment.
Proverbs 25:13 mentions how refreshing a trustworthy messenger is, and how he or she can refresh the spirits of people. The are like an iced cold drink as refreshment when working hard outside on a warm day. (Note snow was brought from the mountains to cool drinks for harvesters in Biblical times. It did not snow at harvest time).
So it would be likely much wiser, as well as much more pleasant not to call anyone a “Cretan” or a “cretin” which is a person who is “vulgar, stupid, and personally insensitive to other people, i.e. a clod or lout” according to Mr. Webster. In addition it may refer medically to a person who is physically deformed and has a mental disorder and disability due to a congenital thyroid deficiency.
Ah, at times silence is golden.
Jeff,
I love that Elwood P Dowd quote! That is a fun movie!
The Bible can be challenging to understand. I appreciate the opportunity to explore passages at a snail’s pace. It gives us time to mull over the ideas presented and how they are presented.
How do we tell the difference between someone who is sitting in judgment (forbidden by Jesus) and someone who is exercising judgment (encouraged by Jesus)?
Matthew 7:4-5, helps to clarify right judgement in John 7:24
John 7:24, Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Matthew 7:4-5 , How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5, You hypocrite, FIRST TAKE THE PLANK OUT OF YOUR OWN EYE, AND THEN YOU WILL SEE CLEARLY TO REMOVE THE SPECK FROM YOUR BROTHER’S EYE.
We are called not to pronounce judgement on others, but to exercise discernment rooted in the knowledge of Scripture. A person who is able to judge between good and evil shows spiritual maturity and can justly help others correct their transgressions. Right judgement looks like RESTORING the person who is caught in sin. Holding someone accountable to the standard of Scripture that we know they have broken must come with the intention of grace, restoration, and repentance, and should not be confused with being judgmental.
A judgmental spirit is a critical spirit which is in direct contradiction to what the Bible teaches about building up the church. Wrongful judgment can turn into slander, tearing down others, or unnecessary arguments.
When I read Titus 1:13 in its entirety, it appears right judgement is what Paul is calling for here.
Titus1:13, This description is true. SO REBUKE THEM SHARPLY SO THAT THEY WILL BE SOUND IN THE FAITH AND FREE FROM DOCTRINAL ERROR.
Ron,
I like the phrase you use: Right judgment looks like restoring. That is certainly the essence of Paul’s mission to Crete. He wanted the Cretans restored to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
It sounds like the people of Crete had a sin problem. So do I. So does everyone. We need to understand the seriousness of our situation and need. I think Paul wants the people to understand that even one of their own poets realizes the need that is there.
I can say that someone else is a sinner because God’s word says that. It is not an error in judgment to agree with God’s word. I have the right to condemn no one. That is God’s job alone. But I do have the responsibility to agree with God’s word. If God calls something sin, then it is sin. Adultery is sin. Stealing is sin. Giving false testimony is sin and rebellion against God. How do I know that? God says it is so in His word.
Excellent, spot on summation Rich.
Thank You, and Blessings
Ron
Brother Rich,
Thank you for adding context. You personalize this and then put it in context by applying God’s Word. The only correct lens to look at each other through is the lens of God’s Word and His perspective.
👍🏻