Let’s be real for a moment.
If the Bible were a person, some verses would make you want to hug it. Others?
You might want to slam the book shut, walk away, and pretend you never read them.
There’s one verse—just one line—that has become a lightning rod.
Misquoted.
Misused.
Twisted beyond recognition.
And yes, hated by many, both inside and outside the church.
Ready for it?
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” — Matthew 7:1 (NKJV)
That’s it.
Seven words. But they’ve started more arguments than almost any other verse in Scripture.
Why Do People Hate This Verse?
Because they think it means something it doesn’t.
You’ve heard it before.
Maybe you gently call out someone who’s living in open sin—not to condemn, but because you care.
And what do you get?
“Hey! Don’t judge me! Didn’t Jesus say ‘Judge not’?”
Boom.
Conversation shut down.
And just like that, Matthew 7:1 becomes a wall instead of a window.
A sword instead of a scalpel.
People wield it to protect themselves from truth, not to discover it.
But here’s the thing: Jesus wasn’t saying, “Live however you want and no one can ever question you.”
He was saying something far deeper.
Something life-changing… if we’re willing to see it.
The Heart Behind the Verse
Let’s slow down. Read the full context:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
— Matthew 7:1-2 (NKJV)
See what’s happening here?
Yahshua (Jesus) isn’t banning judgment.
He’s warning against hypocritical, self-righteous, nitpicky judgment.
He’s calling out the kind of person who points out everyone else’s flaws while ignoring the mess in their own life.
The religious folks who care more about image than inner transformation.
This isn’t about silence.
It’s about humility.
Jesus goes on:
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:3 (NKJV)
Oof. That hits hard.
He’s not saying “don’t help your brother with his speck.” He’s saying, “Deal with your own mess first, and then you’ll be able to help others clearly.”
This verse isn’t an excuse for moral apathy.
It’s a call to self-examination before confrontation.
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So, Should Christians Judge?
Let’s not dance around this.
Yes… and no.
Yes—we are called to make righteous judgments.
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24 (NKJV)
“He who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.” — 1 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV)
No—we are not called to judge from a place of pride, assumption, or condemnation.
True biblical judgment isn’t about tearing someone down—it’s about lifting them up.
It’s like a surgeon with a scalpel.
Done right, it heals.
Done wrong, it kills.
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Why This Verse Is So Misunderstood
Because the world craves acceptance without accountability.
We want grace… without truth.
Love… without correction.
But that’s not love.
That’s abandonment dressed up in nice words.
Imagine a parent who never disciplines their child.
Imagine a doctor who sees a tumor but says nothing—because they don’t want to offend you.
Imagine a friend who watches you destroy your life but shrugs because “who am I to judge?”
That’s not love.
That’s cowardice.
Yahshua wasn’t a coward.
He loved fiercely—and part of that love meant calling people out of darkness into light.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” — Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)
Correction, when done in love and humility, is a form of divine compassion.
What This Means for You (Yes, You Reading This)
Friend, this verse is not your enemy.
It’s not a gag order on truth.
It’s an invitation—to check your heart before you check someone else’s behavior.
It’s a call to grace-fueled boldness.
It means before you speak, you pray.
Before you correct, you reflect.
Before you judge, you examine your own soul under the light of Yahweh’s Word.
Then—and only then—can your judgment be life-giving.
Let’s Redeem This Verse Together
Matthew 7:1 shouldn’t be hated.
It should be honored.
It’s not a license to sin.
It’s a call to love deeply, speak truth wisely, and live humbly.
Let’s stop using it as a defense mechanism.
Let’s start using it as a heart-check.
Let’s be the kind of people who love enough to tell the truth… but love even more to walk with someone as they grow.
Because that’s what Yahshua did for us.
And that’s what He’s calling us to do for others.
Final Thought: Have you ever misused or misunderstood this verse? Maybe you’ve been hurt by someone who used it to silence you. Or maybe you’ve stayed quiet when you should have spoken up—because you didn’t want to come off as “judgmental.”
Whatever your story is… you’re not alone.
But don’t let fear stop you from standing for truth.
Ask Yahweh to help you speak with grace, truth, and courage.
Because the world doesn’t need more silence.
It needs truth wrapped in love.
Join our Bible Study Series
If today’s message on judgment challenged you to examine your heart and grow in truth and love, then you’ll love my free 31-day Bible study series, “How to Live a Victorious Life.” This powerful devotional journey will equip you to win your spiritual battles, overcome everyday struggles, and walk boldly as a spiritual champion. If you’re tired of living in confusion—unsure when to speak up or stay silent, or how to stand firm without being harsh—this series will ground you in truth, sharpen your discernment, and strengthen your faith. Victory begins with understanding—and this study will show you how. Start your journey today. It’s completely free.
