How Do I Make the Right Call?

Pastor: Jeff Love

Judge Not? What Jesus Really Meant – Matthew 7:1–20

Most of us have memorized things without even trying. Nationwide commercials? We can still quote: “Two all-beef patties, special sauce…” The same happens with Scripture. Many people, even outside the church, can recite “Judge not, lest you be judged.”

But here’s the problem: it’s also one of the most quoted, misunderstood, and misapplied verses in the Bible. It’s often used as a shield: “You can’t judge me… you haven’t walked in my shoes… butt out.” But is that what Jesus meant? Does this verse call for universal acceptance of everything, no matter what?

As always, the best way to know what the Bible is saying is to know what the Bible is saying. Context is key.

Judging the Right Way

Jesus spent a lot of time teaching about inside issues—treasure, worry, motives—and now shifts to how we relate to others. He wasn’t banning discernment. He was warning against wrong judgment.

Matthew 7:1–2 – Be Careful How You Judge

Jesus says not to judge in the way He’s about to describe. Why? Because the way you measure others will be the way you are measured. Quick to criticize? Lacking mercy? That’s what you’ll get back.

It’s the principle of sowing and reaping.

Matthew 7:3–5 – Check Yourself First

Jesus uses a hyperbolic illustration: noticing a speck in someone else’s eye while you have a plank in your own. The problem isn’t recognizing someone else’s fault—it’s ignoring your own. Only after removing your plank can you clearly help your brother with his speck.

This isn’t a call to avoid discernment—it’s a call to avoid hypocrisy.

Matthew 7:6 – Be Discerning

Jesus then warns: not everyone will accept truth. Sharing pearls with those who trample them underfoot only causes damage. Whether it’s biblical truth on moral issues or the Gospel itself, sometimes people respond with hostility.

Discernment means knowing when, how, and with whom to share. It also means setting boundaries to protect yourself and those under your care.

The Call to Discernment

Jesus makes it clear: we are to judge in the sense of being discerning, not in the sense of being condemning.

• Discernment is the ability to tell the difference between good and evil.

• Judgment is the action we take based on that discernment.

Parents do this when they warn kids about unsafe people or situations. We do this when deciding whether to trust, follow, or walk away.

Fruits Don’t Lie

Jesus drives it home in verses 15–20:

• Not everyone has pure motives. Wolves sometimes wear sheep’s clothing.

• Character is revealed over time. You know a tree by its fruit. Good trees produce good fruit; bad trees cannot.

• Words reveal the heart. As Matthew 12:34 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Discernment isn’t about being judgmental—it’s about paying attention to what people do and say, and responding wisely.

Living It Out

So what do we do with this?

1. Examine yourself first. Deal with the plank before pointing out the speck.

2. Be discerning with others. Not everyone should have the same level of access to your heart or family.

3. Watch the fruit. Actions and words over time reveal character.

4. Pray for wisdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide when to speak, when to act, and when to be silent.

Jesus didn’t forbid making judgment calls—He taught us how to do it the right way: humbly, carefully, and with discernment.

As Matthew 7:20 sums it up:

“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”