Specks and Planks: Matthew 7:1-6

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

The command has been quoted endlessly—sometimes ripped from context to silence all moral evaluation. But Jesus was not prohibiting discernment. He was exposing hypocrisy.

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

The standard you apply to others will be applied to you. Harsh judgment invites harsh judgment. Mercy given creates room for mercy received.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

The image was absurd—and deliberately so. A speck, a tiny fragment of dust or wood. A plank, a construction beam, a massive log. The man obsessed with his neighbor's minor flaw while blind to his own major failure.

"How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

The offer seems helpful—let me assist you with that speck. But the helper cannot see clearly. His vision is obstructed by timber.

"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Hypocrite—the actor, the pretender. The solution was not to abandon helping others but to deal with yourself first. Remove your plank. Then you can see clearly. Then your help might actually help.

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

The shift seemed abrupt. From non-judgment to discernment about dogs and pigs. But the connection was coherent: judge yourself severely, and exercise wisdom about others.

Dogs and pigs were unclean animals. Sacred things and pearls were precious. Some recipients cannot appreciate what they're given. Discernment was required—not harsh condemnation of others, but wisdom about how to engage them.

The balance was delicate. Judge yourself first. Help others with clear eyes. And recognize that not everyone will receive what you offer.