“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 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? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when there is the log 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 (ESVUK)
What Did Jesus Mean?
When Jesus declared, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1), He was not issuing a blanket prohibition against all forms of judgment. Instead, He was warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment—a spirit that condemns others while ignoring one’s own faults. The Greek word for “judge” (krino) can mean both to discern and to condemn. In this passage, Jesus is specifically addressing the latter: the tendency to pass harsh, condemning verdicts on others while being blind to our own shortcomings.
Jesus illustrates His point with a vivid metaphor: noticing a speck in your brother’s eye while ignoring the plank in your own (Matthew 7:3-5). This is a call to self-examination and humility. Before we attempt to correct others, we must first confront our own sins and weaknesses. Only then can we see clearly enough to help others in a spirit of gentleness and grace, rather than condemnation.
The Old Testament echoes this principle. Proverbs warns against judging by mere appearance (Proverbs 18:13), and the law repeatedly calls for just and impartial judgment (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). Jesus’ teaching is not new, but it is radical in its insistence on mercy, humility, and self-awareness as the foundation for any correction we offer others.
Jesus, the Early Church and Kingdom First
Jesus Himself modelled this command perfectly. He did not avoid addressing sin, but He always did so with compassion and a desire for restoration rather than condemnation. Consider the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11): while others clamoured for her execution, Jesus challenged her accusers, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” When they departed, He said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Jesus did not ignore her sin, but He offered mercy and a call to repentance.
The early church followed this pattern. Paul instructed the Corinthians to exercise discernment within the church, holding one another accountable in love (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). However, he also warned against judging motives or hearts, which only God can see (1 Samuel 16:7). The church emphasised self-examination and humility, teaching that correction should always aim at restoration, not condemnation.
In Galatians 6:1, Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” The goal is always restoration, approached with humility and an awareness of our own frailty.
Importance of the Command in the Believer’s Life
The command to “judge not hypocritically” is vital for every follower of Christ. It protects us from pride and self-deception, reminding us that we, too, are in constant need of God’s mercy. When we judge others harshly, we set a standard that will be applied to us—by others and by God Himself (Matthew 7:2). This principle is reinforced throughout Scripture: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This command cultivates humility and fosters genuine community. When believers prioritise self-examination over criticism, they create an environment where grace and growth flourish. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 2:1: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things.” Harsh, hypocritical judgment breeds division and resentment, while humility and mercy build unity and love within the body of Christ.
Furthermore, Jesus’ command guards us against the trap of legalism and self-righteousness—the very attitudes He so often rebuked in the religious leaders of His day. Instead, we are called to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), always mindful of our own need for forgiveness and transformation.
Practical Steps to Follow the Command
- Prioritise Self-Examination: Before addressing another’s faults, honestly assess your own life. Ask God to reveal any “planks” in your own eye (Psalm 139:23-24; Matthew 7:5)
- Cultivate Humility: Remember that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Approach others as a fellow recipient of grace, not a superior judge
- Judge Actions, Not Hearts: Address behaviours that are clearly contrary to God’s Word, but leave the ultimate judgement of motives and hearts to God (1 Samuel 16:7)
- Correct with Gentleness and Love: If you must address sin, do so with the aim of restoration, not punishment. “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), and “restore gently” (Galatians 6:1)
- Extend Mercy and Forgiveness: Remember Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Be quick to forgive, as God has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13)
- Pray for Wisdom and Discernment: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions, so that your correction builds up rather than tears down (James 1:5; John 16:13)
Jesus’ command in Matthew 7:1-5 is a call to radical humility, mercy, and self-awareness. It does not forbid discernment or loving correction, but it absolutely forbids condemning others while ignoring our own faults. As we follow Christ and are led by the Holy Spirit, may we be people who judge not hypocritically, but who walk in love, humility, and grace, reflecting the heart of our Saviour to a watching world.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Questions for Reflection
- In the course of self-examination, to what extent do you exercise hypocritical judging?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping you exercise patience, grace, humility and mercy in relationships with others?
- What can you do this week to challenge yourself and others to ensure you rise above hypocritical judging?
Life With CD 
This is such a helpful post, Chris. And it’s advice that so often sorely needed in church circles. I think listing some practical steps is a great idea. Keep up the good work, my friend. You get my vote as ever.
You and I may share the same name, but it is clear that you’re as much a Barnabas as anyone else. I deeply appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement. God bless you and remember you for your words of kindness to me. God bless you and all who have the privilege of knowing you, sir.
You’re right, we do bear the same name. Do you know what Christopher means? I assume you do, but if not you should definitely Google it!
And as for Barnabas, you have equally encouraged me with your comments. I’m as grateful as you are 🙂
Dear Chris, I am somewhat familiar with the meaning of the name “Christopher”, and it’s a reason why I prefer to be referred to as that rather than the shortened term. And the quality of your work, both on your blog and in your encouragement, bears out how you are indeed a loyal and faithful carrier of Jesus.
Thank you for that tremendous blessing that draws me closer to Christ.