I knew a teacher who would get to these wisdom pieces about not judging others, step aside from the text, and teach that we actually should judge other people.
He was partly wrong…and partly right. When we meet new people, we must evaluate. On the visceral level, do we like them, do we trust them, do we agree with them? This sort of evaluation helps us survive.
James, I think draws us deeper into these relationships.
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.
Remember, he writes to these small groups of new followers of The Way. Think of your church or small group. As you gather, do you speak ill of someone not there—or even to their faces? That is counter to Law according to James. It’s also counter to the teachings of Jesus about love.
Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
I interpret James to be observing that type of person who takes perverse pleasure about judging people guilty (or innocent) according to God’s Law. I bet that all of us know someone like that. Hopefully that person is not us.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
There is only one ultimate Judge. Why should we have the hubris so as to usurp God’s place?
This is an extension of James’s warning to be careful of what we say. We can start quite a firestorm with a comment. I know. I’ve done it in my life. It’s far better for everyone to hold our peace.
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Faith Venture 
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