“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Matthew 7.1
One of the most widely misinterpreted verses in the Bible is this brief statement by our Lord as He preached what is commonly called, “The Sermon on the Mount.” Its misapplication suggests a prohibition against all discernment or moral evaluation; however, considering clearly and within its rightful context we understand that it is a warning against condemning others with hypocrisy or self-righteous superiority.
The Greek word krino which translates judgment implies both discernment and condemnation; in this context, Jesus does not forbid wisdom in decision making, but He does forbid condemnation by those who take a position of superiority over others. Too often we engage in judging others by our own personal standards rather than discerning truth by applying God’s Word.
In the same context, Jesus declares: “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? … Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7.16, 20) When shopping for apples in a grocery store one of the first things I do is to find the bin with the apples in it. I don’t test the oranges or bananas. I inspect the apples. When I have found the apples, I pick them out one by one to determine if they have been bruised. I would rather not buy apples that have already been bagged because flaws may be hidden; but I prefer to inspect each piece of fruit for dents, dings and worms before buying.
We have a tendency to judge others by using superficial assessments rather than their character and without applying the grace of God into the equation. I’m thankful that God can repair the dents, dings and worm holes.
The following verses (Matthew 7.3–5) illustrate that one must first address their own significant flaws (“the beam”) before attempting to correct minor faults in others (“the speck”). This teaching emphasizes self-examination, humility, and the principle that individuals will be held to the same standard they use to judge others. So, while many throw this verse in the face of some who are attempting to make credibly wise assessments, they neglect realizing that Jesus’ command concerned cleaning up their personal flaws. Rather than being hyperattentive to others’ minor faults we should be constantly on the look-out for our own defects.
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” (Proverbs 10.12)
Jesus offers two clear applications for what He said in Matthew 7.1. First, He throws the standard back on the hearer by stating that we will be judged by the same standard we use in judging others. This, essentially, is the Golden Rule stated in Matthew 7.12. And second, we should carefully inspect our own lives and testimony before pointing fingers at others.
The acid test is found at the foot of the Cross. The Standard of comparison is how we stack up against the testimony of the One hanging there. How do I, personally, measure up to the example of our Savior?
In the midst of His pain, He cried out for forgiveness for His persecutors – no slander – no condemnation – no vile language. His words to His detractors were: “… Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23.34)
That’s the standard by which we compare ourselves.