By Todd Barrier  

In Matthew 7:1 the Bible says “Do not judge.” In today’s society, this verse is brought up quite often when Christians speak up against certain things. I believe this verse is used in an incorrect way by Christians and non-believers alike.  

To prove this, we simply have to keep reading. The verses following this go on to say the following: “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Here, Jesus is teaching that to judge righteously we must take care of sins in our own life before we can help anyone else with theirs. Other scriptures teach we are to judge by others fruits and teachings; in other words, by actions.  

The key to this is not to be hypocritical, not to just accept all behavior that we see in others (and in ourselves) We will be judged by the same judgement we give (Matthew 7:2).  

The plank in our eye shouldn’t blind us to our shortcomings while pointing out others.