Good Judgment

“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 7:5 ESV

I haven’t done any research on this, but I feel pretty confident in saying that one of the Bible verse most often taken out of context is Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged.” People throw it around to say that we have no right to disagree with their conduct in any circumstances.

When we read the whole paragraph (Matthew 7:1-5), we see that Jesus is telling us how to use good judgment to help our brothers and sisters. (Remember that this is part of the sermon on the mount that began back in Matthew 5; Jesus is talking to his disciples when he says this.) I also want to point out that the judgment here is not condemnation for people’s sins; it’s using the discernment that God gives us to bring correction when needed.

The first step when I see a brother or sister in error is to check my own life for any sin. Otherwise, I’m just being a hypocrite. I love the illustration Jesus uses here. If I have a log in my eye, I’m going to do a lot of damage to my brother if I try to get close enough to see the speck, let alone take it out. This makes me laugh, but it also makes me examine myself to see if I’m doing whatever I’m trying to get my brother to correct. Sometimes, I get upset at others’ behavior because it’s something I also struggle with but don’t like admitting. Ouch!

But when I have examined myself and repented of my sin, then I can approach my brother in love and help him, using the truth of Scripture to bring repentance and restoration.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. ... Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. - Psalm 51:10, 13 ESV

Think About: Do you have a log in your eye today?