Luke 6:37-42·~1 min

Judging Others

Jesus warns against judging and condemning, calls for forgiveness, and describes giving as a measure that returns in abundance.

D³⁷o not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Jesus uses images of blind guides, students, and eyes to expose the folly of correcting others while ignoring one’s own fault.

³⁹Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? ⁴⁰A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. ⁴¹Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? ⁴²How can you say, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while you yourself fail to see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Section summaryJesus forbids judgment and condemnation and pairs forgiveness with the promise of forgiveness. He then links giving with measure and abundance, and uses a series of sayings to expose blind guidance, unequal training, and the urge to correct another while ignoring oneself.

Role in the chapterThis movement joins measured generosity with self-examination before correction of others.