The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
Chapter 7
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the
measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay
no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,'
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and
then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
What does this mean?
Explanation of Matthew 7:1-5
In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of judgment and hypocrisy. Here’s a detailed
biblical explanation of each part:
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
- Explanation: Jesus warns against passing judgment on others. The kind of judgment He is referring to involves a
critical, condemning, and self-righteous attitude. Jesus teaches that when we judge others, we set a standard
that will be applied to us as well. This underscores the principle of reciprocity in how we treat others.
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to
you."
- Explanation: Jesus emphasizes that the standards we apply to others will be applied to us. If we are harsh,
critical, and unforgiving, we can expect the same treatment in return. This principle of reciprocity serves as a
warning to be compassionate, understanding, and merciful in our judgments.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own
eye?"
- Explanation: Jesus uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the hypocrisy of judging others. The "speck of sawdust"
represents a minor fault in someone else, while the "plank" represents a major fault in ourselves. By pointing
out others' minor faults while ignoring our own significant ones, we exhibit a hypocritical and self-righteous
attitude.
"How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in
your own eye?"
- Explanation: Jesus highlights the absurdity and hypocrisy of trying to correct someone else's minor faults when
we have major faults of our own. It is hypocritical to focus on the imperfections of others while being blind to
our own shortcomings.
"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from
your brother's eye."
- Explanation: Jesus calls out the hypocrisy and instructs us to first address our own significant faults before
attempting to help others with their minor faults. By dealing with our own issues, we gain the humility and
clarity needed to help others in a compassionate and constructive manner.
Summary:
In this passage, Jesus teaches about the dangers of judgmentalism and hypocrisy. He warns against judging others
harshly and self-righteously, as the same standards will be applied to us. Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and
the plank to illustrate the hypocrisy of focusing on others' minor faults while ignoring our own significant issues.
He calls us to first address our own faults, which will enable us to help others with their faults in a more humble
and compassionate way. This teaching emphasizes self-awareness, humility, and the importance of extending grace and
understanding to others.
