One of the most quoted commands in the Bible is “Judge not.” Yeah, people love that one. And the reason should be obvious. It erects a barrier to accountability and lets them off the hook.
Here is the passage from which that command is lifted:
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-5 (KJV)
Do you remember “reading comprehension” exercises in school? Do they still do those? If they don’t, that explains a lot about today. 🙁 I sure hope they still do them. They did when I was in school. They taught us how to comprehend text.
Today, many people seem to have lost (or jettisoned) the ability to analyze or understand language. We react to words, phrases, or feelings rather than take the time to analyze what’s actually being said. This is true for the Bible perhaps more than any other document. How people use and quote the first part of Matthew 7:1 is a perfect example of this.
One of the most common ways this (often intentional, I believe) misunderstanding of Matthew 7:1 plays out is deflection. Here’s an example…
- Person A: “You shouldn’t drive recklessly.”
- Person B: “Do you always go the speed limit?”
- Person A: “Not always, but–“
- Person B: “Well, then! Don’t judge!”
- Person A: “Wait. I may occasionally go five or ten miles over the speed limit, but–“
- Person B: “You’re still breaking the law, so don’t judge!”
Or how about this….
- Person A: “You need to stop doing drugs.”
- Person B: “Yeah, well, I saw you eat two pieces of pie at the church potluck. Was that necessary? Besides, you and everyone else knows you need to lose weight, so–“
- Person A: “Yes, I should lose weight, but that’s not the issue here–“
- Person B: “Why not? Gluttony is a sin, isn’t it?”
- Person A: “Yes, but–“
And on and on.
For the record, I’m aware that I need to lose weight. And, no, I’ve not had a conversation with a person about drug abuse where that person threw that back against me. I’m simply using it as an example.
Bottom line: Substitute just about any issue — and you’ll notice that these conversations play out ALL THE TIME!
I dare say that some of you reading this might be thinking “Yeah, and Person B is right.” Well…
Let’s look at what Jesus is actually saying, shall we?
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-5 (KJV)
Jesus warns that people who judge others will be judged by the same standards and measurements that they use in judging. This is why it’s good to remember that we’re all human, we’re all flawed, and that we all need to balance mercy and truth (see Proverbs 3:3-4). But…
Jesus doesn’t say that, because we’re flawed, we should never judge. That is NOT what He says. Doubt me? Then explain this verse: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24, KJV).
The issue is not judging. The issue is HOW we judge. Most people judge selfishly, selectively, and self-righteously. That is what Jesus is warning against. He is NOT saying we can never judge.
What’s more, Jesus isn’t saying that we have to be sinless in order to judge.
Look carefully at Matthew 7:3…
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matthew 7:3, KJV)
Clearly, both the “mote” and the “beam” refer to moral flaws. I trust we’re all on the same page with that. I hope you will also note the contrast between the two terms.
The word “mote” (Greek: κάρφος, karphos) refers to a small speck or piece of dust, typically something minor or insignificant. Indeed, most modern English translations say “speck.” The word “beam” (Greek: δοκός, dokos) refers to a large plank or beam, indicating a much greater issue or fault.
Jesus is addressing the absurdity of judging others for minor faults while being oblivious to one’s own, much larger faults. It serves as a vivid illustration of hypocrisy.
Now, note what Jesus doesn’t say…
He does NOT say: “And why beholdest thou the beam that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the mote that is in thine own eye?”
That is NOT what He says! And…yet…that’s how many people read it!
Jesus is NOT saying that a person must be perfect and sinless before he can address serious sin in the life of another person!
Let me put it plainly…
All of us have flaws. Some people have more flaws than others. Some people have bigger flaws than others. Since Jesus is in heaven, and left His followers to be His hands and feet (for now), it falls to His flawed followers to help each other and hold each other accountable. Therefore…
If someone in your church family addresses a serious sin in your life, you might notice a “mote” or “speck” in that brother’s (or sister’s) life. That does NOT justify you pointing to your brother’s (or sister’s) smaller flaws in order to avoid accountability.
Smaller flaws? I thought all sin was the same.
You are incorrect. Doubt me? Read my last article. It is linked below.
If you’re struggling with sin(s), don’t try to deflect attention from your sin(s) by pointing out the flaw(s) in others. Of course, other people have flaws. Of course, other people struggle. But this doesn’t let you off the hook.
Nor does it get you anywhere.
To avoid accountability just traps you more in your sin and adds more consequences to your life and the lives of those around you.
If you love God and if you love the people God has put in your life, you should desire accountability — not try to avoid it!
May the Lord guide you, strengthen you, and bless you as you strive to glorify Him.
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