Who Are You to Judge?

Matthew 7:1 is one of the most misquoted and misapplied verses in the New Testament. It has also become an excuse to disregard discernment (which is connected to maturity in Heb 5:12-14), personal accountability, and church discipline. Scripture is always its own best commentary and, as usual, the context clarifies what it means here. Actually verses 3-5 explain what this word means here since it has such a broad spectrum of meaning. The Pharisees in particular held to such a high standard of personal holiness that was based on their traditions which often supplanted Scripture. They were always aware when people were not “measuring up.” They had defined the OT law to such minuteness that the people were living under a tremendous burden and awareness they would never be able to please God. So it must have seemed like a breath of fresh air when Jesus said: “Come to me all you who are tired and weighed down with burdens you cannot carry. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30). So when the Pharisees judged they were judging based on outward appearance and assumption. They could not see the heart but became very critical of people based on their inability to not measure up. The word “judge,” as used here, means to be critical based on outward appearances. It is taking the place of God. It does not mean there is never a place for discernment, making a distinction between good and bad theology, regarding a book as bad because it does not measure up to Scripture, telling a fellow believer they are in biblical sin, and eventually exercise church discipline. Rather than wimp out on responsibility, weigh in with God’s judgment as written in Scripture and His merciful solutions.