Matthew 7:1-6 is one of the most frequently quoted yet often misunderstood passages in the Bible. Found within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, these verses address themes of judgment, hypocrisy, and discernment in relationships with others. Let’s break down the passage and explore its deeper meaning.
The Text: Matthew 7:1-6 (ESV)
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.
2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 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?
4 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?
5 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.
6 Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
“Judge Not” – What Did Jesus Mean?
The phrase “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) is commonly cited as a warning against making any judgments at all. However, Jesus was not prohibiting all forms of judgment but rather condemning hypocritical and self-righteous judgment.
We make judgments daily—about people, situations, and moral choices. Even Jesus and His disciples exercised discernment (John 7:24, 1 Corinthians 5:12). What Jesus warns against here is the kind of judgment that lacks self-examination and humility.
The Standard of Judgment (Matthew 7:2)
Jesus explains that the way we judge others will be used against us. If we are harsh, unforgiving, and self-righteous in our judgments, we will face the same standard in return. This aligns with biblical teachings on mercy (James 2:13), emphasizing that grace should accompany any form of correction.
The Speck and the Log – The Danger of Hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3-5)
Jesus uses hyperbolic imagery to illustrate hypocrisy. He compares someone who criticizes another’s small flaw (a speck of dust) while ignoring their own serious failings (a log in the eye).
Lessons from the Speck and Log Analogy:
- Self-examination must come first – Before we correct others, we must acknowledge our own faults and sins.
- Hypocrisy blinds us – When we focus on others’ shortcomings while ignoring our own, we lack the clarity to judge rightly.
- Correction is not condemned, but it must be done humbly – After dealing with our own sins, we can more clearly help others grow spiritually.
This teaching does not forbid accountability but emphasizes that judgment must be accompanied by humility and self-awareness.
Pearls Before Swine – The Call for Discernment (Matthew 7:6)
At first glance, verse 6 seems disconnected from the preceding teachings. However, it complements the passage by emphasizing the need for discernment in sharing truth.
- Dogs and pigs in biblical times were not household pets but unclean, often dangerous animals.
- Pearls and holy things symbolize wisdom, truth, and the message of the Gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- Not everyone will receive truth willingly – While we should share the Gospel with all, some people persistently reject it.
- Jesus calls for wise discernment – Just as we should not judge harshly, we should also not waste spiritual truths on those who openly mock or trample them.
- This does not mean we stop evangelizing – Rather, it reminds us to invest time where it will be fruitful (Matthew 10:14).
This principle is echoed later in the New Testament when Paul and other apostles discern where to preach and when to move on (Acts 13:46).
Application for Today
Matthew 7:1-6 remains deeply relevant in today’s world, where quick judgments, cancel culture, and lack of grace are rampant. As Christians, we can apply these teachings by:
- Practicing self-examination before addressing others’ flaws.
- Judging righteously with humility and love.
- Extending grace and mercy while standing firm in biblical truth.
- Using discernment in how and when we share spiritual wisdom.
Ultimately, this passage calls believers to balance truth with grace, judgment with humility, and correction with love—all while seeking God’s wisdom.
Michael J McCluskey 