Definition & Meaning of "do not judge a man until you have walked (a mile) in his shoes"

What is the origin of the proverb "do not judge a man until you have walked in his shoes" and when to use it?

The proverb "do not judge a man until you have walked in his shoes" can be traced back to a poem titled 'Judge Softly,' written by Mary T. Lathrap in 1895. In this poem, Lathrap uses the phrase "Just walk a mile in his moccasins" to express the importance of understanding someone else's experiences before making judgments. The proverb emphasizes empathy, suggesting that it is unfair to criticize or judge others without understanding their life challenges or circumstances. Over time, the phrase has been adapted to "do not judge a man until you have walked in his shoes" and is now widely used to encourage people to avoid rushing to conclusions about others.