Matt 7

The first verses of chapter 7 might be some of the most quoted verses in the NT; when I say quoted, I mean that we quote them to others . . . sometime in a rebuking manner.  

Matt. 7:1-2 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.  For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”

As I said, these verses in Matthew are quoted very often in our culture, which is becoming increasingly oversensitive to every possible issue.  We can’t seem to have a long conversation with someone and not be in fear of offending them. This verse is sometimes thrown out to stop any potential offensive speech. But I wonder if we misinterpret these verses?

I want us to think about the difference between making judgmentsand being judgmental. I believe this passage is condemning the latter, but we must do the former. We have to make judgments (i.e., wise decisions) about situations and people everyday. In fact this passage tells us we can make judgments afterwe have done some serious self examination of our own lives (see 7:3-5).  Notice what 7:6 tells us to do: 

“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.”

Jesus is not talking about actual dogs and pigs is He?  No! He is talking about evil people who can hurt you. We must identify these people in our lives.  We must make judgments about them so that we don’t give them power in our lives and in the lives of those we love.  So, my belief is that we must make judgments every day regarding people, but we must never have a judgmental attitude.  One is practicing wisdom, the other stems from arrogance and self-righteousness. The latter is dishonoring to people and to our God. 

What are your thoughts?