Lesson 15: Judge Not? Understanding What Jesus Really Said
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:1-6
Thank you for joining me as we continue walking through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today we’re focusing on a passage that is often quoted - but frequently misunderstood: Matthew 7:1-6. “Judge not, that you be not judged.” You’ve probably heard those words before. Maybe they were directed at you, or maybe you’ve said them yourself. But what did Jesus really mean? Was he forbidding all forms of judgment, discernment, and correction? Or was he pointing to something deeper - something about the attitude of our hearts?
As we dig into this passage, we’ll discover that Jesus isn’t telling us to throw discernment out the window. In fact, he’ll soon say in this very chapter that we’re to recognize people by the fruit they bear. So clearly, not all judging is forbidden. What Jesus does confront is the kind of self-righteous, hypocritical, condemning spirit that so often masquerades as holiness. Let’s dive in.
The Call to Humble Discernment
“Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). This verse is often lifted from its context and used to silence any moral or spiritual assessment. But Jesus isn’t banning judgment; he’s warning against the wrong kind of it - a harsh, hypocritical, self-righteous judgment that exalts the critic and crushes the sinner. The Greek word for “judge” (krinō) can refer to a wide range of actions - from simple evaluation to final condemnation. In this context, Jesus clearly has in mind a kind of condemning posture that puts self in the place of God.
Paul echoes this warning in Romans 2:1, where he says, “For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” The problem isn’t discernment; it’s hypocrisy.
The Measure You Use Will Be Measured to You
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2). This principle points to a divine reciprocity: the standards we use to judge others will be applied to us. Are we quick to condemn but slow to extend grace? Then we can expect a similar response from others—and, more soberly, from God (cf. James 2:13).
Logs, Specks, and Hypocrisy
Verses 3-5 bring Jesus’ point into sharp focus with vivid humor and clarity:
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
The image is absurd on purpose. A person with a log protruding from their eye attempting to perform delicate surgery on another’s speck is laughable - and deeply hypocritical. Jesus is calling out our tendency to magnify others’ minor faults while excusing our own major ones. His remedy?
“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.”
Jesus doesn’t say, “Ignore the speck.” He says to address your own sin first so that you can lovingly and clearly help your brother. This isn’t a call to silence but to humility. Galatians 6:1 captures this beautifully:
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”
Do Not Throw Pearls Before Pigs
In verse 6, Jesus pivots with another powerful image:
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs…”
This may seem jarring, but it’s a necessary balance to verses 1-5. Jesus is teaching that even as we avoid a judgmental spirit, we must still exercise discernment. Not everyone will be receptive to spiritual truth, and forcing it upon them can lead to scorn and backlash. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” There’s a time to speak and a time to stay silent. Spiritual wisdom helps us know the difference.
Bible Study Questions
According to Matthew 7:1-2, how does our approach to judging others affect how we ourselves will be judged?
What’s the difference between judging in hypocrisy and judging with discernment (compare with Galatians 6:1 and Romans 2:1)?
Why do you think Jesus uses the imagery of a log and a speck? How does that illustrate the danger of self-deception?
How do we know that Jesus isn’t forbidding all moral evaluation (see Matthew 7:16-20)?
What does “taking the log out of your own eye” look like in practical terms?
How can we discern when to speak correction into someone’s life and when not to (cf. Proverbs 9:8-9; Matthew 7:6)?
What’s the danger of a judgmental spirit in Christian community?
How does verse 6 serve as a necessary balance to verses 1-5?
Why is it important to examine our motives before offering correction to others?
How does this passage challenge both legalism and permissiveness?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
Have you ever been guilty of judging someone harshly while ignoring similar faults in your own life? What did that reveal about your heart?
What would change if you started approaching correction with humility and gentleness instead of pride or superiority?
Are there any “logs” in your life that God is calling you to remove?
In what ways does our culture distort the meaning of “judge not”? How can we gently correct this misunderstanding?
How does understanding God’s mercy toward you shape how you deal with others’ sins?
Have you ever tried to correct someone who wasn’t ready or willing to receive it? What did you learn?
Who in your life can help you see your own blind spots and hold you accountable?
How do you discern when someone is open to receiving correction or spiritual truth?
What practices can help you cultivate a heart of mercy rather than condemnation?
How do these verses deepen your understanding of Christian community and responsibility?
Action Steps
Before offering any critique or correction, ask: “Have I examined myself first?” Spend time in prayer asking God to show you your own blind spots. Confession must precede correction.
When someone does stumble, aim to restore - not shame - them. Follow Paul’s words in Galatians 6:1: approach others “in a spirit of gentleness.” This isn’t softness on sin but strength in love.
Ask God for wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent. Some situations call for silence and prayer rather than confrontation. Read through Proverbs 26:4-5 and reflect on the balance.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this passage. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.
Dale, an excellent explanation, thank you.