Matthew 7:1–2
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Many people twist this verse to mean that we should never make any judgments at all, but what does it really mean?
Every day, we make countless decisions—what to wear, what to eat, how to spend our time. These are judgments, but they are not the kind of judgments Jesus is talking about. The judgments in our text refer to how we judge other people, particularly their motives. This kind of judgment is negative, implying condemnation or punishment, and it is not our place to make such judgments. Only God knows the hearts and intents of men.
We often find it easy to get along with some people, while others challenge us. This is complicated by our tendency to believe we are always right.
Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Our perspective is flawed; we minimize our faults and magnify those of others, leading to unfair judgments.
Jesus’ message is clear and straightforward: if we judge others, we will be judged by the same standards. This is a sober warning. If we do not want to be judged harshly, we must start by not judging others. Jesus teaches that every man must begin with himself. Imagine a world where everyone heeds this wisdom—what a better place it would be.
Let us remember that one day, God will judge us all. Until then, let us strive to live by Jesus’ words: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”
Devotional by Pastor Rod Holler, Sr.