Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.(ESV)
I’ve heard this verse used in arguments for so many years. Most people who haven’t actually read the bible use it as an argument for “live and let live”. They often try to use this as a gotcha argument to discourage any moral critiques. The implication here is that all behavior should be accepted without question.
That’s not what this verse means. We are called to use discernment which is judgement. The warning here is against hypocritical judgement of others. The fact that Jesus warns us about “false prophets” later in the same chapter implies the need for judgement and discernment. The verses immediately after verse one speaking about the speck and the log emphasize humility and self-reflection to understand one’s own flaws before ever criticizing others.






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