AM,

You where taught literal interpretation which is how most people are taught(I would also assume with a bit of the golden rule thrown in) Which is the way you are supposed to use the bible unless there is evidence somewhere else in the bible that a literal interpretation does not work. In this case the subject in contect is salvation and no one can do that but god. So it is impossible for man to" judge" another. Man can clarly have opinions about another man as long as they hold to biblical teachings.