What does “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” mean?

"Judge not of men and things at first sight" means that it is important to avoid making quick judgments about people or things without understanding the full context. It is essential to take the time to gather information and assess a situation before making any conclusions.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I know he seems suspicious, but judge not of men and things at first sight. We should give him a chance and get to know him better before making any assumptions.

Example

Before you make a decision, remember that judge not of men and things at first sight. Take the time to gather all the facts and consider all perspectives.

Example

She may appear confident, but judge not of men and things at first sight. You never know what someone is going through until you take the time to understand their story

Is “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Judge not of men and things at first sight.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” effectively in context?

You can use "Judge not of men and things at first sight" to remind someone to avoid making quick judgments about people or things without understanding the full context. It emphasizes the importance of gathering information and assessing a situation before making any conclusions. For instance, if a friend is quick to judge a new colleague based on their appearance, you might say, 'Remember, "judge not of men and things at first sight". Give them a chance and get to know them better before forming an opinion.'

1Meeting New People
I know he seems suspicious, but judge not of men and things at first sight. We should give him a chance and get to know him better before making any assumptions.
2Decision Making
Before you make a decision, remember that judge not of men and things at first sight. Take the time to gather all the facts and consider all perspectives.
3Empathy and Understanding
She may appear confident, but judge not of men and things at first sight. You never know what someone is going through until you take the time to understand their story.

Similar phrases to “Judge not of men and things at first sight.”:

Don't judge a book by its cover

To not form an opinion about something or someone based solely on appearance

Example

He may look intimidating, but don't judge a book by its cover. He's actually very kind and helpful.

Look before you leap

To think carefully and consider the consequences before taking action

Example

Before investing in that business opportunity, remember to look before you leap.

Give someone the benefit of the doubt

To believe someone's statement or trust their intentions, even if there are doubts or uncertainties

Example

I'm not sure if she's telling the truth, but let's give her the benefit of the doubt and hear her side of the story.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Judge not of men and things at first sight" is unknown.

Is “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Judge not of men and things at first sight" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still recognized and understood by English speakers.

What tone does “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” have?

"Judge not of men and things at first sight" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It encourages individuals to be open-minded and avoid hasty judgments.

Can “Judge not of men and things at first sight.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Judge not of men and things at first sight" is considered formal. It is more likely to be used in written or formal contexts such as essays, speeches, or discussions about human behavior and perception.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Before you make a decision, remember to "judge not of men and things at first sight".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "judge not of men and things at first sight"!' to imply the importance of avoiding quick judgments.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

avoid snap judgments
withhold initial judgment
reserve judgment
suspend judgment
hold off on forming opinions

Antonyms

prejudge
make snap judgments
jump to conclusions
form immediate opinions
assume without evidence