Avoiding Judgmental Attitudes: Unpacking Matthew 7:1-6
“There are few verses quoted more frequently than the opening one of Matthew 7, and few less understood by those who are so ready to cite it and hurl it at the heads of those whom they ignorantly or maliciously suppose are contravening it.”
“Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matthew 7:1 NKJV
Chances are that you are familiar with Matthew 7:1 and Jesus’ warning regarding judging. But how do you apply Jesus’s words in everyday life? Let’s dive into Matthew 7:1-6 and see what we can learn.
Applying Jesus's Teachings in Daily Life: Matthew 7:1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” The word which is here translated as “judge” (Greek = krinō) occurs frequently in the New Testament, and it is used in a variety of ways.
“I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:15 NKJV
In 1 Corinthians 10:15 “judge” means to weigh carefully and form an opinion or consideration.
“Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”
And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.””
— Luke 7:43 NKJV
In Luke 7:43 “judged” signifies inferred or drawn a conclusion.
“And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.”
— Acts 16:15 NKJV
In Acts 16:15 “judge” means “if you regard or account me so.”
“Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.”
Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,””
— John 18:31 NKJV
In John 18:31 “judge” means, “put Him on trial before your court.”
“Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.”
— Romans 14:3 NKJV
In Romans 14:3, “judge” has the force of despise, according to the context.
“Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”
— John 7:51
In John 7:51, “judge” signifies condemn—its most common meaning.
So, which meaning did Jesus have in mind when He spoke the words recorded by Matthew?
Decoding Jesus’ Words: “Judging”
When we want to correctly interpret any piece of text, context is your best friend. In the case of Matthew 7, the context is Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. One of the main themes of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is that the character of His followers must supersede that of the religious teachers of Jesus’ time (Matthew 5:20 Law Fulfilled). As we continue to study Jesus’ sermon on the mount we keep this piece of context in mind.
The larger context would be the words of Jesus recorded in other books of the Bible. For example, Jesus’ words recorded in Luke 18:9 seem very appropriate.
Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
— Luke 18:9 NKJV
This highlights the importance of reading the Bible regularly because it allows you to better understand the context of each text. The more familiar you are with the Bible as a whole the easier it becomes to interpret individual texts.
The rest of Matthew 7 is also part of the immediate context. I will cover the rest of Matthew 7 in future posts but suffice it to say that by verse 20 Jesus is encouraging His followers to spot false prophets by their fruits, which indicates a type of judgment. So we are not to become gullible and blind to red flags and other warnings. Based on the texts mentioned above, and even the rest of Matthew 7, I believe it is abundantly clear in the biblical text that Jesus’ prohibition in Matthew 7:1 is not to be taken absolutely.
So how do we apply it?
In light of Matthew 5:20 and Luke 18:9, we begin to understand that Jesus wants His followers to contrast themselves to what the religious teachers of their time were doing. Since the Pharisees took it upon themselves to go up and down passing accusatory and unjust judgment upon others, while blind to their own glaring faults. The followers of Jesus should conduct themselves differently: unsparingly judging themselves and refusing to invade the office of God where others are concerned. (Arthur Walkington Pink, An Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2005), 261.)
Applying Biblical Wisdom: Avoiding Judgmental Attitudes
I remember kids in the school exchanging insults and a popular comeback was
“I’m rubber you’re glue,
everything you say bounces off of me
and sticks back to you!”
This is what came to mind as I read what Jesus said next.
For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
- Matthew 7:2 NKJV
We can never know the whole story about others; only God does. instead of being critical, as followers of Jesus, we should be known for our humility, and for recognizing our own shortcomings.
“Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another.”
—The Desire of Ages, p314.
Remember that Satan is the accuser of God’s people (Revelation 12:10). We don’t want to be like him in our interactions with others. We should examine ourselves, not the lives of those around us. (See 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31). Once again I find it helpful to remember that Jesus seems to be contrasting how His followers should behave compared to how the religious leaders of His time behaved.
When we think about earning salvation by our own efforts we begin to make a list of requirements to help us not sin. We notice how we fall short of the glory of God so we create rules and requirements to help us perform better. With the best of intentions, we pile on our own laws to help us and others keep God’s law. Our rules may be meant to help us keep God’s law but the result inevitably shifts the focus from God to self.
The problem with all the human-made regulations is that they cause love to die out of our hearts. We love God less and our love for those around us also grows cold. A human system full of little rules leads us to judge each other based on our prescribed human standards. This attitude foments selfishness and criticism, it stifles generosity and causes us to become senf-centered spies and judges.
Does this sound familiar? This is how the Pharisees behaved when Jesus walked the earth. Their religious services never made them experience humility or a sense of their own weakness, rather it made them proud and grateful for the privileges God had given them. Their religion became focused on them, their feelings, their knowledge, and their ways. They judged others based on their own accomplishments. They placed themselves in a position of authority and used it to criticize and condemn others.
Today we are in danger of behaving similarly. If we are not careful we infringe on matters of conscience, judging others in affairs that belong between the soul and God. When we judge we assume the motives of others, we judge their behavior without understanding the full context of their life experience and current struggles or the condition of their heart. We do not know the intentions, we guess, we judge, and in the process, we become a stumbling block to those who are on their way to Jesus.
“…do not set yourself up as a standard. Do not make your opinions, your views of duty, your interpretations of Scripture, a criterion for others and in your heart condemn them if they do not come up to your ideal. Do not criticize others, conjecturing as to their motives and passing judgment upon them.”
—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p124.
Paul adds
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
— 1 Corinthians 4:5 NKJV
We cannot read the heart! We all struggle with sin, how can we judge anyone else? As imperfect beings, we are not qualified to judge the spiritual journey of those around us. Our judgment is based on only what we can observe. Only God, who knows the secret motivations of the heart, who is merciful and patient can decide the case of each soul.
Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
— Romans 2:1 NKJV
Jesus’ Teachings on Judging: A Deeper Look
3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
— Matthew 7:3-5NKJV
I have read Matthew 7:3-5 so many times. Every time I read it the speck is always in my brother’s eye and the plank is always in my eye. No matter what problems I may perceive in the life of my brother, mine are more significant and need to be dealt with first. This is such an important point. I remember at a certain stage in my life, ( I was a teenager) I became very critical of almost everything at church. One day as we were driving home my parents lovingly pointed out to me that unless I was willing to be a part of the solution I really should refrain from complaining. If I didn’t like the preaching, then I should prepare a sermon. If I didn’t like the praise team, I should put together a praise team. If I didn’t like the greeters, I should ask to be added to the schedule. If the church was not clean I should help clean, etc.
It is easy to become critical and take for granted all the hard work that others put forth.
“His words describe one who is swift to discern a defect in others. When he thinks he has detected a flaw in the character or the life he is exceedingly zealous in trying to point it out; but Jesus declares that the very trait of character developed in doing this un-Christlike work, is, in comparison with the fault criticized, as a beam in proportion to a mote. It is one’s own lack of the spirit of forbearance and love that leads him to make a world of an atom.Those who have never experienced the contrition of an entire surrender to Christ do not in their life make manifest the softening influence of the Saviour’s love. They misrepresent the gentle, courteous spirit of the gospel and wound precious souls, for whom Christ died. According to the figure that our Saviour uses, he who indulges a censorious spirit is guilty of greater sin than is the one he accuses, for he not only commits the same sin, but adds to it conceit and censoriousness.
— Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing 125.
Here is something I want to make sure you take away from this post.
Christ is the only true standard of character, and he who sets himself up as a standard for others is putting himself in the place of Christ.
I would strongly encourage you to resist the temptation to judge and criticize the spiritual journey of others. Leave judgment to Jesus.
For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,
— John 5:22 NKJV
This does not mean that we simply ignore all others and that wherever they are they are fine. We are not to look down on and criticize others for their apparent lack of faith, understanding, or skill. But we can come alongside and offer help, we can disciple others, coach them, encourage them, and mentor them. Once you are mentoring someone else you will find it very difficult to criticize them, because you will better understand their situation, their struggles, their dreams, and how hard they are trying. You will be blessed as you witness them do their very best, as opposed to sit back in judgment.
A cold, critical, and unforgiving spirit is a curse not only to the poor soul that possesses it but also to all who have the misfortune to be in their presence. According to the words of Jesus, the one who condemns another person is trying to hide or excuse the evil of their own heart.
When Jesus is in our hearts we do not seek to condemn and accuse, rather we want to help, heal, and save. We desire to build up instead of tear down. When I consider the cross of Christ and how it was my sins that put Him there, I have no desire to compare my guilt with someone else’s. When I walk in the shadow of the cross of Jesus it is impossible for me to foster a spirit of criticism or pride.
Perhaps you think that you are helping the cause of Christ by accusing sinners, berating them, and making sure they know they are wretched sinners. But this approach drives people away from Jesus. I strongly recommend focusing on revealing Jesus in your own character, and your character will have a transforming power upon all who are in your sphere of influence. Focus on Jesus, and allow Jesus to live out His will in your life, in all your interactions and it is Jesus in you that will attract others to God. Jesus in your heart causes you to have a mighty influence over others for the kingdom of God.
Unpacking Matthew 7:6 Dogs and Pigs?
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
—Matthew 7:6 NKJV
There are those who have no desire to leave the bondage of sin. They cling to evil and have no desire to follow God. However, we should be willing to share the gospel with everyone. We must also be sensitive enough to know when someone is not interested and move on. We are not to force religion on anyone, it never ends well.
I came across a poem called The Fool's Prayer: (April 1879) by Edward Rowland Sill the poem is a bit long but I copied my favorite portions below. I think it is very fitting regarding this post’s topic.
" 'Tis not by guilt the onward sweep
Of truth and right, O Lord, we stay;
'Tis by our follies that so long
We hold the earth from heaven away."These clumsy feet, still in the mire,
Go crushing blossoms without end;
These hard, well-meaning hands we thrust
Among the heart-strings of a friend."The ill-timed truth we might have kept-
Who knows how sharp it pierced and stung?
The word we had not sense to say-
Who knows how grandly it had rung?"Our faults no tenderness should ask,
The chastening stripes must cleanse them all;
But for our blunders-oh, in shame
Before the eyes of heaven we fall.
— Excerpts from: The Fool's Prayer: (April 1879) by Edward Rowland Sill
How then shall we live?
Seek Jesus daily and let His loving character overflow into the lives of those around you.
“The revelation of Christ in your own character will have a transforming power upon all with whom you come in contact. Let Christ be daily made manifest in you, and He will reveal through you the creative energy of His word—a gentle, persuasive, yet mighty influence to re-create other souls in the beauty of the Lord our God.”
—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p.129.
