Matthew 7:1–12

Bible Studies for Life 
Academic Dean at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Right Relationships

Matthew 7:1–12
“Judge not lest ye be judged.” More often than not this proverb is spoken in response to criticism. The purpose for which this statement is made is similar to that of another common proverb, “what goes around comes around.” Both of these convey the idea that we should refrain from critical or judgmental comments because if we don’t, we will become the focus of such when we least expect it.

While it is true that we can be guilty of the very sins we condemn in others and thus are worthy recipients of the very criticism we so freely offer, Jesus was not discouraging judgments when He said, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” In fact, in numerous places throughout Scripture believers are commanded to judge. Jesus told His disciples in John’s Gospel that they should judge with righteous judgment. Paul told the church in Corinth to exercise judgment and bring discipline and condemnation upon the unrepentant young man caught in immorality. What, then, is Jesus saying?

Don’t Be Hypocritical (1–5)
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is addressing the manner and standard by which judgments are made. Notice how Jesus unpacks His original statement when He says in verse 2, “in the way you judge” and “by the standard you measure” the same will be applied to you. There is no denying that judgments must be made, but how they are made is of critical importance.

In explaining this further Jesus uses a funny and quite ridiculous illustration of a man who tries to take a speck out of his brother’s eye when he himself has a two-by-four sticking out of his! The point of the illustration is that the one offering correction is in no place to offer it because he has not applied the needed remedy to himself. As we laugh at this improbable scenario, we become painfully aware how easy it is for us to do something very similar. We must be diligent in prayer and self-examination in order to avoid hypocrisy.

Discern Rightly (6)
Hypocrisy is bad for more than one reason. Hypocrisy is certainly a sin because it is a living lie. It is, however, also dangerous if the fear of hypocrisy causes someone to refuse to be discerning. If, for example, I were to address a drunk with the gospel and tell him of the love of Christ but paid no attention to the fact that his habit had rendered him virtually incoherent because I didn’t want to risk being judgmental or offensive, this would be a problem. I would, as Jesus says, be casting pearls before swine.

Just as our judgment must not lack compassion, so our compassion must not lack judgment. The dogs and pigs of verse 6 are unbelievers whose attitude and response to the gospel, “what is holy,” is such that we must surely pass judgment that they are not in a fit state to hear the truth. To labor under an undiscerning and mistaken view of love that continues to spend time in this way is, in fact, wasteful and foolish. Jesus applied this principle Himself when He told His disciples that if a town does not receive them or heed their words, they were to shake the dust from their feet and move on.

Receive and Show Grace (7–12)
It can be overwhelming when we realize how vigilant we must remain. We must be discerning so that we can judge righteously, godly so that we can speak with integrity and wise so that we do not act foolishly. Just when we need it, Jesus takes the time in these verses to remind us that when we pray for wisdom and righteousness and all that is required to honor His name, He will answer. Our Father knows more than any other parent on earth how to give good gifts. 

The Lord will not despise the contrite of heart. Seek from Him the grace and power to live like the One into whose image you are being molded day by day.