What other scriptures support the principle of hearing before judging, as in John 7:51? The Scene That Sparks the Question John 7:51 — “Does our law convict a man before it first hears from him and knows what he is doing?” Old-Testament Foundations for Fair Hearing • Deuteronomy 1:16-17—“Hear the disputes between your brothers and judge fairly… Do not show partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike.” • Deuteronomy 19:15—“A lone witness is not sufficient… a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” • Deuteronomy 13:14—“Then you shall inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly…” • Exodus 23:1-2, 7—“You shall not spread a false report… When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd… Keep far from a false charge.” Wisdom Literature Underscores the Principle • Proverbs 18:13—“He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and shame to him.” • Proverbs 18:17—“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” • Proverbs 15:28—“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.” Jesus Affirms the Standard • Matthew 18:15-16—“If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately… if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” • John 5:31-32—“If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. There is Another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.” The Early Church and Apostolic Practice • Acts 25:16—“It is not the Romans’ custom to hand over any man before he has been confronted with his accusers and has an opportunity to defend himself against their charges.” • 1 Timothy 5:19—“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.” • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Summary List for Quick Reference • Deuteronomy 1:16-17; 13:14; 19:15 • Proverbs 15:28; 18:13; 18:17 These passages consistently show that God’s standard is to hear all the evidence, weigh it impartially, and only then render judgment—exactly the principle Nicodemus voiced in John 7:51. |
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