Author Greg Koukl
Published on 11/02/2021
Theology

Does Jesus Say Not to Judge?

Matthew 7:1 says, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” This is just one of several often-misquoted verses. Find out if you can spot their true meaning in our “Point Taken or Mistaken” quiz!


Transcript

Matthew 7:1 is probably the most abused passage in the Bible by non-Christians because they love it when Jesus says, “Don’t judge.” But he doesn’t stop there. He’s defining a certain type of judgment that’s not appropriate. Judge not lest ye be judged. Why try to find the speck in somebody else’s eye before you’ve removed the log in your own? First, he says, remove the log from your own eye. Then, you’ll be able to take the speck out of somebody else’s eye. In other words, Jesus is condemning a condescending, self-righteous judgment. You’re finding fault in other people for the sake of finding fault when you are even more guilty yourself. First, deal with yourself, and then it will be appropriate to find the speck in somebody else’s eye and help them remove it. It is not a blanket prohibition of all judgment. Read the context. Jesus clarifies.