It seems the whole world knows at least one verse of Scripture: "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matt. 7:1). At least we hear it quoted (thrown back in our faces) a lot. Anytime we as Christians seem to begin to register a negative comment regarding someone's attitude, speech, behavior, etc., we are "reminded" that "our" book tells us not to judge others.

Of course the problem with this use of Matthew 7:1 is that it is actually a misuse of the verse, for the context clearly indicates this is not a prohibition against judging, but a warning to be fair in our judgments. In the following verse Jesus warns, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (v. 2). Jesus then gives the familiar instruction regarding the person with a log in his eye trying to help the man with a speck in his eye.

Let's consider the warning of verse two for a moment. We are going to make judgments of others. The Lord actually expects us to do so. As the chapter continues, Jesus expects us to determine who "dogs" and "swine" are (v. 6) and to determine who a false prophet is (vs. 15-20). We have to make judgments, but we better make them according to the proper standard.

It is a sin to be both hypocritical and hypercritical in the judgments we make of others. It is a mistake to make judgments of others, and act upon those judgments, without taking the time to get all the facts in the case. Remember, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (v. 12).