In this passage the Greek word for “judgment” is anakrino and the primary meaning is to question, examine, conduct an examination, discern. It is used 16 times in the New Testament and in most cases it refers to searching for the facts. For example, it was used by Pilate when he examined Jesus and found no fault in Him (Lk.23:14). It was used by Paul to describe how the Berean Christians examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
Perhaps a different translation would clarify the meaning of 1 Cor. 2:15: “He who is spiritual (the mature Christian) examines all things, yet he himself is examined (questioned, called to account) by no one.” (The bold indicates anakrino is used. The words in the parentheses are added for clarification.) The spiritual man is examined by God (1 Cor.4:4).
God does not expect Christians to be gullible. We should examine the facts about God, about the Word, and about the world; then we can make wise decisions based on those facts.br />br /> Jesus did say, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Mt. 7:1). The Greek word used here is krino which does mean, among other things, “to criticize, find fault with.” Our Lord does not want us to be critical of others. But, again, we don’t need to be gullible, either. Later in that same context, Jesus stated, “You will know them by their fruits” (Mt.7:20). If someone steals, he is a thief. If someone lies, he is a liar. You know him by his fruit. That is not judging him (krino). That is examining the facts and making a decision based upon those facts (anakrino).
May we not be gullible or critical. May the Lord help us to be discerning by examining all things (1 Corinthians 2:15).