Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. I. THE DUTY — "Judge not." 1. From the context it is evident that the Saviour here speaks only of those judgments that we form concerning our neighbour. Favourable judgments are not forbidden; unfavourable judgments allowed, when our station or clear evidence require. Judges, parents, teachers, must condemn and publicly censure. Our Lord condemns — 1. The inward disposition of the mind which inclines persons to judge the actions of their neighbours with (1) precipitance, (2) malignity, (3) rigour. 2. He condemns the habit of communicating to others the rash and severe judgments we have formed, when no necessity requires it. We multiply the injury in proportion to the number of persons to whom we communicate our unfavourable opinions. II. THE MOTIVE. If we thus judge our brethren, there is more than one tribunal at which we shall be condemned. 1. We shall find for ourselves in society judges without pity. 2. The rigour at the last judgment. God will punish those who have encroached upon His rights, and who have trampled down the rules of justice and charity. (H. Kollock, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Judge not, that ye be not judged. |
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