Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged: A Call to Righteous Judgment

Matthew 7:1–5 KJV 1900

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. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Introduction: The Danger of Hypocritical Judgment

We live in a time when judgment is everywhere—on social media, in our communities, in politics, and even in the church. People are quick to form opinions, label others, and condemn those who do not meet their expectations.

But Jesus gave a clear warning: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Does this mean we should never make any kind of judgment?

No. Rather, Jesus was speaking against self-righteous, hypocritical, and condemning judgment—the kind of judgment that holds others to a standard we ourselves do not meet.

In this message, we will explore:

1. The meaning of Jesus’ words

2. The consequences of hypocritical judgment

3. How to exercise righteous judgment

I. Understanding “Judge Not” – What Did Jesus Mean?

Many misinterpret Matthew 7:1, using it as a defense against correction. However, Jesus was not condemning all judgment, but rather unfair, self-righteous judgment.

A. Hypocritical Judgment vs. Righteous Judgment

• Hypocritical Judgment: When we criticize others while ignoring our own faults.

• Righteous Judgment: When we discern between right and wrong

(John 7:24 – “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”)

B. Examining Ourselves First

• Jesus said in Matthew 7:3-5 that before we correct someone else, we must first remove the “beam” (a large obstruction) from our own eye.

• Many want to point out the “mote” (small speck) in their brother’s eye, but they refuse to deal with their own larger sins.

C. The Pharisees: A Perfect Example of Hypocrisy

• John 8:3-11 – The Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, demanding her punishment, yet they ignored their own sins.

• Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.”

• One by one, they walked away, convicted of their hypocrisy.

D. Jesus Did Not Ignore Sin—He Offered Mercy and Truth

• Jesus did not say the woman’s sin was acceptable; He told her, “Go, and sin no more.”

• Our role as believers is not to condemn but to restore (Galatians 6:1).

II. The Consequences of Hypocritical Judgment

When we judge others harshly, we invite judgment upon ourselves (Matthew 7:2). Here are some consequences of hypocritical judgment:

A. We Set Ourselves Up for the Same Judgment

• Romans 2:1-3 – “Thou that judgest doest the same things.”

• If we judge harshly, God will judge us by the same standard.

B. We Bring Exposure to Our Own Faults

• Those who judge others often find their own sins exposed.

Breaking the Cycle of Judgment

One of the most overlooked consequences of unrighteous judgment is that it creates a cycle—a circle of judgment that comes back around on us. Many times, we find ourselves facing the same struggles over and over again, and we wonder why. The answer is often hidden in the very words of Jesus in

Luke 6:37–38 KJV 1900

37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

When we judge others unfairly, we open the door for the same kind of judgment to come upon our own lives. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), and judgment is no exception.

The Never-Ending Circle of Judgment

• If we judge someone for their financial struggles, we may find ourselves constantly facing financial difficulties.

• If we criticize others for their parenting, we may end up in an ongoing struggle with our own children.

• If we condemn others for their sins, we may find ourselves battling secret sins that refuse to break.

The reason we keep going through the same trial over and over is that we have entered into a cycle of judgment—we have judged, and now we are being judged by the same measure. This circle will continue until we repent and break the pattern.

Breaking the Cycle

To break free, we must:

1. Repent for Unrighteous Judgment – Acknowledge where we have judged others and ask God for forgiveness (James 5:16).

2. Extend Mercy – If we want to receive mercy, we must first give it (James 2:13).

3. Change Our Mindset – Stop looking for faults in others and start looking for opportunities to encourage and restore (Galatians 6:1).

Luke 6:37-38 (KJV) reminds us: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged… For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Just as judgment comes back to us in full measure, so does mercy. If we want to break the circle of judgment in our lives, we must replace it with a circle of grace, forgiveness, and restoration.

C. We Hinder God’s Mercy in Our Lives

• James 2:13 – “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”

• If we do not extend mercy, we will not receive mercy from God.

III. How to Exercise Righteous Judgment

While we are warned against self-righteous judgment, Scripture commands us to make righteous judgments. How can we do this biblically?

A. Judge with Righteousness, Not Appearance

• John 7:24 – “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

• We must discern based on truth, not personal bias.

B. Speak the Truth in Love

• Ephesians 4:15 – “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

• Correction should be done with humility and love, not condemnation.

C. Restore, Don’t Condemn

• Galatians 6:1 – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

• Our goal is restoration, not destruction.

D. Be Quick to Forgive and Slow to Judge

• Matthew 6:14-15 – If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us.

• Forgiveness leads to restoration; judgment leads to division.

Conclusion: The Call to Grace and Truth

We live in a world quick to judge and slow to show mercy. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard—to judge righteously, with humility and love.

Reflection Questions for the Congregation:

1. Am I quick to judge others while ignoring my own faults?

2. Do I offer mercy as freely as I desire it from God?

3. How can I practice righteous judgment in my daily walk?

Let us remember:

• Jesus corrected sin but never condemned sinners unfairly.

• We are to judge righteously, not hypocritically.

• God’s mercy and grace should be our example in dealing with others.

Micah 6:8 KJV 1900

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the Lord require of thee, But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God?

C.H. Spurgeon once said:

“None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.”

May we leave today with humility, choosing righteous discernment over self-righteous judgment.