Do Not Judge (Luke 6:37-42
Judging Others (Luke 6:37–42)
It’s easy to fall into the trap of judging others—whether it’s their actions, their words, or their choices. But in this passage from Luke, Jesus challenges us to rethink how we approach others, especially when it comes to judgment. He calls us to not only examine our own hearts but to treat others with the same grace and mercy that God has shown to us. This passage invites us to reconsider how we view others, not with a critical eye, but with one of humility and love.
What the Bible Says about Judging
A Closer Look at “Judging”
The Greek verb translated as “judge” in this passage is κρίνω (krinō), which has a range of meanings. It can refer to discernment, evaluation, or condemnation. Context determines the meaning, and in this passage, Jesus seems to be addressing the kind of judgment that leads to condemnation—being harsh, self-righteous, or unforgiving. The parallelism with “do not condemn” reinforces this interpretation.
Jesus isn’t banning discernment or moral evaluation; elsewhere, he encourages it. For example, in John 7:24, he says, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” Here, the call is to exercise judgment that aligns with God’s standards—fair, righteous, and merciful.
A Balanced Approach to Judgment: Bible Verses about Judging Others
Scripture often calls us to evaluate and confront sin, but it must be done with humility and a spirit of restoration. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Similarly, Galatians 6:1teaches, “If anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” These examples highlight the need for judgment that seeks the good of others, rather than self-righteous condemnation.
The warnings in Luke 6 caution us against the kind of judgment that sets us above others, ignoring our own faults. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-5, where he calls out hypocrisy in judgment: “First take the log out of your own eye.” Discernment must be paired with self-awareness and humility.
Generosity and Forgiveness in Judgment
Jesus contrasts judgment with forgiveness and generosity. When he says, “Give, and it will be given to you,” he is calling us to cultivate a spirit of abundance, not scarcity. This principle echoes the teaching of Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.” In the same way, when we approach others with grace and a willingness to forgive, we receive that grace in return.
The imagery of a “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over” is rooted in the marketplace of Jesus’ day. It illustrates the overflowing generosity of God, who rewards those who embody his character in their dealings with others. If we judge harshly, we will be judged harshly. If we give generously, we will receive generously.
Judging and Condemning in the Church
Judgment within the Christian community is often necessary for accountability and growth. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 shows Paul addressing sin within the church, urging the believers to discern and act to maintain holiness. However, this judgment must never cross into condemnation or arrogance. Instead, it should always reflect God’s heart—a desire for restoration, not punishment.
Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:37-38 is not a blanket prohibition against judgment but a call to embody God’s mercy, generosity, and grace. When we judge with humility, forgive freely, and give generously, we mirror the character of Christ. We aren’t called to abandon discernment but to exercise it with love, understanding, and a recognition of our own need for grace.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Judging Others (Luke 6:37–42) and Commentary
Luke 6:37-38: Do not judge; do not condemn;
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
In these verses, Jesus calls his followers to avoid judging and condemning others. The command is direct: do not judge. This iis an imperative that speaks to the heart of Christian relationships. When we judge others, we set ourselves up for judgment. Jesus sets the stage for a principle of reciprocity: the way we treat others—whether by forgiving, giving, or withholding—will come back to us. This is a reflection of the abundant grace God extends to us, a grace we are to mirror in our interactions.
This concept of measured response is echoed throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God warns against harsh judgment. In Proverbs 21:15, it says: “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.” Judgment is not something to be taken lightly; it is meant to be just, tempered with mercy and humility. Likewise, in the New Testament, James 2:13 reminds us: “Judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Jesus’ message is consistent: mercy must triumph, for the same measure we use will be used on us.
Luke 6:39-40: Can a blind person lead the blind?
“He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher.’”
Jesus uses the metaphor of a blind person leading another blind person to illustrate the folly of judgment. How can we, who are flawed and limited in understanding, pass judgment on others? When we try to correct others while neglecting our own faults, we risk leading them into the same errors. This parable underscores the importance of humility in our relationships with others. The disciple, in this context, is called to learn from the teacher—not to assume the position of the teacher prematurely.
Jesus frequently cautioned about the need for self-awareness in the act of correction. Matthew 7:3-5gives a similar teaching: “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye?’” Both passages emphasize that only when we address our own shortcomings can we be of service to others. In short, we must be humble, recognizing that we, too, are in need of God’s grace and correction.
Luke 6:41-42: A Log in Your Eye Verse
“Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.”
Here, Jesus brings a direct challenge to our tendency to focus on others’ faults while neglecting our own. The image of a log in one’s own eye is both humorous and humbling—it’s an exaggeration meant to make us recognize how absurd it is to criticize others when we haven’t dealt with our own issues first. This calls us to introspection, to deal with our own sin and shortcomings before seeking to correct others.
This principle of self-examination is consistent with the heart of God’s law throughout Scripture. Psalm 139:23-24 reflects this idea: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Instead of rushing to judge others, we are called to ask God to search our own hearts, to uncover our blind spots, and to deal with our own sin before offering correction to anyone else. The focus must always begin with us—our hearts, our thoughts, our actions—before we turn our attention to others.
Luke 6:37-42 Meaning for Today
Jesus’ words in this passage challenge us to live with humility and grace toward others. In our relationships, whether at work, at home, or in the church, we are quick to judge, criticize, and point out the flaws in others. But in this passage, Jesus flips the script—first, take the log out of your own eye. Before you make judgments about others, consider your own sin and your need for mercy.
This doesn’t mean that we ignore others’ faults or never offer correction. It simply means that we do so with humility, recognizing that we are not without fault. We are reminded that our responses should be marked by mercy, grace, and self-awareness. Jesus isn’t prohibiting discernment; he’s prohibiting self-righteousness and hypocrisy.
Furthermore, the principle of reciprocity should be a guiding force in our interactions. The way we treat others, with judgment or mercy, will be the measure by which we are treated. If we approach others with kindness, patience, and forgiveness, we open the door to receiving those same qualities from others. But if we choose to judge harshly, we invite harshness into our lives.
In our day-to-day lives, this passage calls us to be conscious of how we view others. Do we approach them with the same grace and mercy that God has shown us, or do we focus on their flaws, magnifying them while ignoring our own? May we follow Jesus’ teaching to practice humility, forgiveness, and mercy in all our relationships.
