“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye, ‘and behold, the log is in your own eye? “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. “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matt 7:1-6
So, this is how I’ve come to understand the first 5 verses: My sin looks really ugly on someone else! I mean if I stop and really think about why what someone else is doing is bothering me, I find the very same thing in myself, that I am battling to overcome (speck vs the log). It has been said that the people God has brought into our lives, are there for a reason. Maybe they are a mirror. But, before I can “help” them, as Paul in 2 Timothy solemnly charges me to do “by reproving, rebuking, exhorting…” I first need to exam my own heart, “lest I too be tempted” Gal 6:1 and remembering that “he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” 1 Cor 10:12. I also think we may even be better equipped for the task of helping others if we would be willing to “confess our sins to one another, and pray for one another” James 5:16.
I say all this because God led me to these verses in Matthew the other morning. I was struggling with being judged and labeled…which led me to start judging back. I gladly took the scolding, “those whom Jesus loves, He reproves” I repented and His peace flooded my heart a-new!
But then I came to verse 6…what does that have to do with judging others? The next 6 verses talk about praying, as a matter of fact it’s just one verse out of the 109 verses beginning with the sermon on the mount and ending with the comparison of the wise and foolish men. All of His other admonishments in these 3 chapters were followed by an explanation. Maybe I’m dense but I don’t see the related meaning, as it relates to what else he is talking about, judging and praying. The only cross reference given is Matt. 15:26, the story of the Canaanite woman. I see how that story could cross reference to verses 7-12, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking…and in that story dogs are mentioned but how does it apply in chapter 7? What am I missing? Does it have something to do with discernment perhaps?
Thank you all for the great input, it has been an encouragement! I agree Shelley, we have been gifted with knowledge, wisdom, understanding and also the gift of His fragrance, to those that believe, an aroma of life and to those that are perishing—death. 2 Cor 2:14-16. So even if we never say a word, the Holy Spirit in us, is repugnant to those who do not or will not see.
I have to remember it’s God that opens minds and gives understanding. Lk 24:45; Acts 16:14 & 1 Jn 5:20. I’ve noticed that even when I was fumbling, trying to give an answer to a direct question a friend might have…God has always been able to use it, even though I thought I wasn’t saying all the right words in the right order.
In 1Pet 3:15 I think Peter is telling me to wait to be asked. But that has always been hard for me, 1st-because of the joy and peace that God has freely given to me, I just want everyone to experience God’s love and 2nd-because we see that the day of the Lord is drawing closer and closer, and my heart breaks for the enemies of Christ.
Roger, in Rom 12:9-21 Paul gives us a great guide on how to reach others that we love or that God puts in our lives. I think we need to be friends first, otherwise how will we know what they need, remembering that when they reject us, it is the Christ in us they are rejecting. In verses 19 & 20 Paul quotes Pro 25:22, that we need to treat our enemies with kindness and thereby “heap burning coals upon their head, and the Lord will reward you.” What greater reward than the enemies of Christ, become the followers of Christ!
I think a study on “knowing when” to witness would be a great study…hopefully we can get more people to play with us here! I tag you to lead that study!
OK, don’t forget I’m a newb, but when I read these chapters, it kinda sounds like Jesus is rambling from one subject to the next. There are quite a few thoughts that are just one verse.
I guess the dogs in Matt 7:6 here and in Matt 15:26 are unbelievers.
So if I wanted to connect verse 6 to verses 1-5, I would say that he is saying, just keep quiet, if they are believers they are probably already being convicted, and if they aren’t believers, you’re wasting your time or worse, you are going to get beat up.