Matthew 7:1 is one of the more well-known verses in the Bible. Most people, even if they know next to nothing about the Bible, can usually quote this verse. It’s quite a popular defense for people to use when someone tries to point out a fault. The problem is that most people who use this have no idea what Jesus was actually discussing. Thus, this Scripture has also become one of the more misused verses in the Bible.
Satan wants us to think that this verse means that we cannot point out anyone’s wrong, especially since we all have our own skeletons in the closet. All of us have shortcomings, and sometimes even the most righteous people commit sin (Romans 3:10, 23). As a matter of fact, a popular tagalong verse is John 8:7 where Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.” Satan would love for us to think that we should never point out a wrong since we are not perfect ourselves. He would love for us to idly watch our brethren drift off the straight and narrow to head straight for spiritual death (Romans 6:23).
So what does Matthew 7:1 mean if it doesn’t mean that we cannot point out error? Consider the context of the Sermon on the Mount – it’s all about attitude. Verse 2 really is the key. Do we want to be condemned by those who practice their righteousness to be seen of others (6:1) and serve mammon (6:24), or do we want to be corrected in a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1) and love (Ephesians 4:15)?
