Judge-not Quote by Harriet Ann Jacobs
““Several years after, he passed through our town and preached to his former congregation. In his afternoon sermon he addressed the colored people. 'My friends,' said he, 'it affords me great happiness to have an opportunity of speaking to you again. For two years I have been striving to do something for the colored people of my own parish; but nothing is yet accomplished. I have not even preached a sermon to them. Try to live according to the word of God, my friends. Your skin is darker than mine; but God judges men by their hearts, not by the color of their skins." This was strange doctrine from a southern pulpit. It was very offensive to slaveholders.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Sermon by unknown Southern preacher, early 19th century, cited in Jacobs' narrative
The speaker urges that moral worth is judged by character, not skin color, challenging prevailing racist norms.
In simple terms: Judge people by heart, not skin.
Key Takeaway
Embrace equality and reject prejudice.
Themes
equality
justice
racial prejudice
morality
Mood
hopeful
determined
reflective
Type
inspirational
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- church gatherings
- civil rights activism
- education
- community dialogue
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
human dignity
social reform
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we apply this principle in modern institutions?
- What barriers still prevent true equality?
A Different Perspective
The message may have been limited by the era’s entrenched slavery and resistance to change.
