In righteousness you shall judge your people.(Lev. 19:15)
[This means that] you should judge your friend favorably. (Shavuot 30a)
The Baal Shem Tov commented on the verse "Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the despised" (Psalms 19:9), explaining that when you see a wicked person commit some despicable act or grievous sin, you should judge him favorably. He only did it because his passions overcame him, and he has a coarse physical nature, or he doesn't realize the seriousness of the crime. [You should think] these and similar thoughts. Then, you also save yourself from judgment; for seeing this low thing in your friend should make you realize that you share a similar trait, and that there are judgments and accusations upon you, as well. When you can judge your friend favorably, you will likewise be judged.
By not arousing judgment upon a sinner, who is overcome by his desires, you fulfill the verse "You shall not incline the judgment of your poor in his dispute" (Ex. 23:6). When trials and conflict overwhelm him (i.e. when he struggles against his own evil inclination) from the "waters of dispute" (Num. 20:13), i.e. evil and malicious waters, you should arouse favorable judgments upon him.
Really, this is all a great test. For a person is never sentenced for his crimes until he first passes judgment upon himself. And since he will certainly not judge himself, they show him a person who did something similar. When he passes judgment upon the latter, he seals the judgment on himself, as well.
[Adapted by Eliezer Shore from Otzar HaYira, parashat Mishpatim, p. 193b (as found in Sefer Baal Shem Tov)
Reprinted with permission from The Baal Shem Tov Foundation - baalshemtov.com]
judgement This short article gives a clearer perspective on being cautious on passing judgement on others because when one does, he seals a sentence on him. This shakes me a bit and remembers the times when I did judge others.
It is also interesting when the article says that what one judges on others is the similar trait that one has. The other is a reflection of oneself. It is G-d showing me who I am. Therefore, i should be careful with my judgements of others because I am actually judging myself. In addition, a sentence is being decreed, G-d forbid.
May G-d grant me and others the grace to be compassionate, kind, loving, caring, accepting, and forgiving.
I admire people who live this wisdom already without them knowing it. I know people who live a life of compassion and non-judgement. They are my inspiration.
In Kabbalah, judging, in the sense of discernment, is considered a positive trait. Not to be confused with gossiping, which is to be absolutely avoided, unless to protect someone else from harm.