The Critic’s Corner

Read Proverbs 15

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

Matthew 7:1-2

In the current “climate of tolerance,” it is taboo to call into question the behavior of others. When someone dares violate this unwritten cultural rule, even irreligious people (who seldom think of Jesus and certainly have no desire to follow him) are quick to paraphrase the words of Christ: “Who are you to judge? Let him who is without sin cast the first stone!”

This kind of noble-sounding rhetoric is not only foolish, it is also a distortion of what Christ meant. Today’s “New Testament proverb” is primarily a call to examine ourselves before we criticize others. Jesus recognized how easy it is to be hypocritical, to spot the flaws of our neighbors even as we are blind to our own faults.

The biblical standard is to take a hard look at ourselves first (Psalm 26:2; 1 Corinthians 11:28). Only then are we in a position to lovingly help others see where they are off track (Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Expect to be judged the way you judge.

Today, Lord, I want to honor you by not being harsh with others. I want to be treated with mercy, so help me to treat others accordingly.