You will hear all sorts of claims. They are guilty. I have the proof. I was raped. He lied. He did wrong. As a believer, you must be careful to follow Scripture and not popular opinion or influential people. These verses might help you think through a Biblical process.

1. Would you consider someone foolish who answers before they even hear the matter? Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly (foolishness) and shame (insult) unto him.
2. God said that it is foolishness to speak without listening first.
3. He says you will be embarrassed and insulted when you answer too quickly.
   
   
4. Have you heard what you wanted to hear and spread the gossip?
   
   
5. Have you made a judgment by hearing part of the story? 
6. My dad used to say don’t go off half-cocked? In other words, get your gun loaded and ready before you shoot.
7. Be prepared and think it through before you make a decision and definitely before you repeat it.
   
   
8. Do you know as much as Nicodemus. He said “John 7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?”
9. Have you judged without hearing the other side of it?
10. Have you made a diligent investigation to know what he or she is doing?
    
    
11. Have you gone to the people involved and searched out the matter? Proverbs 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; But his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
12. Do not be guilty of listening to one side.
13. Do not let the prosecution or the defense present their side without hearing both sides.
14. Search it out. Do a diligent investigation before you make a decision.
    
    
15. Please don’t listen to accusations without getting to the bottom of it all. Deuteronomy 13:14 Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; 
16. Inquire, ask questions.
17. Do a search
18. Ask diligently, not lightly.
19. Find out the truth
20. Make sure the accusation is true.

Now you have read a few ideas. It is time to self-evaluate. Sometimes we can avoid being embarrassed by following God’s prescription. Think about it all. Listen. Evaluate. Make a decision but do so justly according to God’s instruction.

Other interesting articles about judging

How can I find the truth?

The Three Steps of Church Discipline

Division among the brethren

Be careful who you criticize

keeping a record of wrongs

Judge Biblically

Sizing up everyone but themselves

How Can I Find the Truth

WHEN BOB HAS A PROBLEM WITH EVERYONE, BOB IS USUALLY THE PROBLEM

What do you do with the accusation?

Wrong Motives