Bible Study Lessons From Matthew 7:1-6
No matter what you do in this life, you will most likely be criticized by someone. Do we have the habit of criticizing others? What did Jesus say about Criticizing others in Matthew?
You may already know but let’s find out.
The Plank In Your Eye – What Did Jesus Say about Criticizing Others?
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:1-5 NASB
“No One Ever Put Up a Monument to a Critic.” The Speck and the Plank
What is all this about a log in your eye and a speck? Human beings have an uncanny talent to see themselves differently than they see others.
For instance, let’s say you are engaged in a conversation with a person who swears with every other word – you can do one of three things ..
1. You can ignore the swearing and pretend you don’t hear the language he or she is using.
2. You can point out that you really don’t care for the language he is using which can have its own consequences.
3. You can start swearing yourself to try to fit in with the conversation.
The Tables Turned
There is no easy answer to this situation. But, if you choose option number three and join in the swearing, prepare to be judged.
He may remark to you or his friends & family that this “Christian” was cussing like a sailor while not seeing himself as being insensitive to you.
What Did Christ Mean by “Do Not Judge”?
Jesus’ statement, ‘Do not judge,’ is speaking against the kind of hypocritical, judgmental attitude that tears others down in order to build oneself up.
It is not a blanket statement against all critical thinking, but a call to be discerning rather than negative.
Jesus said to expose false teachers (7:15-23), and Paul taught that we should exercise church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1,2) and trust God to be the final Judge (1 Corinthians 4:3-5).
Our Judgment of Others
Let’s not invite judgment on ourselves in the future. Take the time to count to ten before judging someone else.
For some of us, the count might be 20! 🙂
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16 and take the first steps to learning what Christ can do in your life.
Read Today’s Verses Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version