Matthew 7:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord prohibits judgment that leads to condemnation, as revelation serves a beneficial purpose while condemnation results in offense and humiliation. This is particularly true when an individual burdened with serious transgressions criticizes others for their minor faults, for it is God alone who has the authority to judge.

It is noted that ‘judge not’ is synonymous with ‘condemn not.’ Reproving is distinct from condemning; the former aims at correction, while the latter seeks ridicule and punishment. Additionally, the command not to judge pertains even to the smallest of transgressions. Hence, He further questions, ‘Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye?’ (Matthew 7:3).

This passage echoes the words of the apostle in another context: Therefore, do not make judgments prematurely until the Lord arrives. He will illuminate what is concealed in darkness and disclose the intentions of the heart, leading to praise for each individual from God (1 Cor. 4:5). Hence, some actions possess dual motivations, and we cannot discern their true purpose, as they may manifest as both good and evil; it is unwise to make hasty judgments, especially concerning condemnation. A time will arrive for their assessment as well, when the Lord will shine light on what has been hidden and unveil the true intents of the heart. In another instance, the same apostle states, ‘The sins of some men are evident and lead directly to judgment, while others are revealed later (1 Tim.

The Lord expresses that a similar stance is held by both judges and those who assess situations, yet this must not be interpreted in the manner that heretics do, who mislead themselves and misunderstand both their claims and their affirmations. For when they permit those seeking unworthy and destructive repentance in exchange for monetary gain, they claim it is unnecessary to judge an individual guilty of grave sin because the Lord stated, 'Judge not, that ye be not judged.' However, if their assertions were indeed true, then it follows that righteous Noah, who condemned Ham, the scoffer, to servitude among his brothers, would be equally condemned. Similarly, Moses condemned the individual who gathered wood on the Sabbath, ordering him to be executed outside the camp.

"Do not judge," meaning do not do so unrighteously, "lest you be judged," which indicates the consequences of your actions in terms of justice. This instruction serves as a caution to those who enact retribution for personal grievances; it is a reminder not to inflict punishment for your own interests. Avoid making judgments based on doctrinal differences or personal biases, and instead focus on testing and encouraging those around you.

If He prohibits judgment, on what basis does the Apostle Paul rebuke the fornicator in Corinth and the Apostle Peter reveal Ananias and Sapphira as deceivers? However, regarding the additional prohibitions, He clarified what was being prohibited, stating, "For as ye judge, so shall they judge of you." Thus, He did not prohibit judgment but rather instructed on it.

Do not be quick to judge your brother, even if his sins are evident to you, for we have one true Judge and Lord who will reward each person based on their actions. There will come a day of reckoning when we stand before Him, stripped bare and assessed according to our deeds, receiving the mercy of God. "For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22). To judge your brother before the return of Christ is to claim a role meant for Him, effectively taking on the title of antichrist. I urge you to refrain from judging your fellow believers so that we may be recipients of grace. While you may see his faults, you cannot foresee the ultimate direction of his life.

If we had kept in mind, dear brothers, the teachings of the wise elders and consistently learned from them, we would not have become so careless about our own well-being. If we had not, as they pointed out, overlooked small matters and what appears trivial, we would not have found ourselves entangled in significant and serious transgressions. I frequently remind you that from these seemingly minor sins—when we dismiss actions with phrases like, "What does it matter?"—a detrimental habit starts to take root within our souls, causing us to neglect far greater issues. Do we comprehend the severity of the sin in condemning our neighbor? What could weigh more heavily than this? What does God despise so profoundly as this? As the elders conveyed, there is nothing worse than condemnation. Yet, even such immense wrongs can arise from the very negligence regarding what seems insignificant. For when a person permits minor oversights concerning others, thinking, "What harm is there in listening to what this brother says? What does it matter if I utter such a word? What difference does it make if I witness the actions of this brother or that traveler?"—from this very attitude, one begins to disregard their own transgressions while fixating on those of their neighbor. Consequently, we may end up condemning, maligning, and belittling others, ultimately falling prey to the very sins we reject. Because a person neglects their own failures and “does not mourn over their dead self,” as the fathers stated, they cannot thrive in righteousness but instead become preoccupied with the shortcomings of others. Nothing provokes God’s wrath more, exposes a person’s flaws, or leads to alienation from Him than backbiting, condemnation, or demeaning a neighbor.

There's a distinction between speaking ill of someone and engaging in condemnation; to criticize means to claim that someone has lied, lost their temper, or committed fornication. This type of slander unjustly depicts one's brother, addressing their failings with bias. To condemn, however, involves declaring, “Such a one is a liar, a wrathful person, or a fornicator.” In this regard, a full evaluation of a person's character and entire life is rendered, pronouncing judgment that constitutes a grave sin. For it is one thing to say, “He is angry” and quite another to assert, “He is perpetually wrathful,” issuing a far-reaching verdict upon one’s entire existence. The sin of condemnation is so much weightier than any other that Christ Himself proclaimed: “O hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye” (Luke 6:42), equating the sin of our neighbor to a speck of dust and our own condemnation to a large log. Such is the heavy nature of condemnation; it overshadows all sins.

Consider the Pharisee who prayed and expressed gratitude to God for his good qualities. He spoke the truth and was not condemned for that aspect; indeed, we ought to thank God when we perform good deeds, recognizing His assistance in those acts. He faced no condemnation for enumerating his virtues or for stating, “I am not like other men,” but rather he was condemned when he turned toward the publican and added, “or even this publican” (Luke 18:11). In doing so, he condemned not merely the actions but the very essence of another person’s soul and life. Consequently, the tax collector emerged from this encounter “justified...rather than” (Luke 18:14). There is indeed nothing more grievous than condemning, belittling, or humiliating our neighbor.

Why do we not take the time to condemn our own sins that we know intimately, ensuring we are ready to answer for them before God? Why do we revel in passing judgment? What do we desire from His creation? Should we not tremble at the account of the elder who, upon learning of a brother's fall into fornication, lamented, "Oh, how terrible is his sin!"? Are you unaware of the grave incident recorded about him in the Father's writings? A holy angel brought the sinner’s soul before him and asked, “Look, the one you condemned is deceased; where do you wish for him to be placed, in the kingdom or in torment?” Is there a more terrifying ordeal than this? What else could the angel's words to the elder mean except, “As the judge of the righteous and the wicked, what will you decide for this humble soul? Will you extend mercy, or will you consign it to torment?” The elder, deeply affected, spent the remainder of his days in sorrow, sleeplessness, and fervent prayers seeking God’s forgiveness for that sin. Even after he fell on his face before the angel and received absolution, the angel’s declaration, “Behold, God has shown you how grievous a sin condemnation is, so that you may no longer fall into it,” signified forgiveness, yet the elder could not find peace or solace until his death.

Thus, what do we seek from our neighbor? What do we gain from bearing the burdens of others? We have our own concerns, dear brothers! Each person ought to focus on themselves and their falterings. The authority to justify and condemn lies solely with God, for He alone understands the heart, strength, understanding, abilities, and circumstances of each individual, judging accordingly as He sees fit. God evaluates differently the matters of a bishop versus a secular leader, an abbot versus a disciple, the old versus the young, and the sick versus the healthy. Who can fathom all His judgments? Only the Creator, who fashioned all things and oversees them.

I recall an incident from the past. A ship carrying slaves arrived in a certain city, where a devout virgin lived, attentively guarding her soul. Upon hearing of the ship’s arrival, she rejoiced, wishing to purchase a little girl to raise in a manner free from the vices of the world. She summoned the ship owner and discovered he had two girls fitting her wish, joyfully paying for one and taking her as her own. As soon as the ship owner departed from her presence, a depraved woman approached him and, seeing the other girl, sought to obtain her. Having made an agreement, she paid the price, taking the girl and leaving. Do you see God’s hidden hand? Do you grasp His judgment? Who can explain it?

The virgin nurtured her chosen girl in reverence for God, instilling within her all that is virtuous, in a life aligned with God’s commandments. Conversely, the depraved woman led her unfortunate charge into the very depths of evil. What can we conclude about such a dire destiny? Both girls were small and sold off, unaware of their fate: one destined for divine embrace and the other for devilish ensnarement. Can we presume that God will ensure the same outcome for both? Is it plausible? If they both yield to sin, could we contend that they will face identical judgment, despite being affected differently? The one was instructed in the divine kingdom, immersed in the words of God, while the other regrettably was surrounded solely by the profane and diabolical—how can one expect both to face the same evaluation? Thus, no human can comprehend God’s judgments; only He understands fully and can discern the transgressions of each individual.

Indeed, it sometimes occurs that a brother may stumble out of innocence but possesses a single good deed that holds more favor in God’s eyes than all his transgressions. Yet, we judge and condemn him, burdening our own souls. Should he stumble, who knows the extent and effort he invested before that fall? To God, his sin may seem as a work of righteousness because He sees his struggles and suffering endured prior to that misstep, showing him mercy. Yet you focus only on the sin itself, condemning him and endangering your own soul. How many tears has he shed before God in repentance? You witness his sin, but overlook his sorrow.

At times, we not only condemn but also humiliate our neighbors. As I pointed out, to condemn differs from demeaning. Humiliation occurs when one not only condemns but abhors their neighbor, turning away as from utter vileness—this is far worse than mere condemnation and proves far more damaging. Those who desire salvation overlook the faults of others, instead concentrating on their own and ultimately succeeding. Such was the one who, observing his brother's sin, sighed and lamented: “Woe to me! As my brother has sinned today, so shall I surely sin tomorrow.” This reflects a humble spirit, finding a way to escape the condemnation of another. By saying, “so will I tomorrow,” he fostered within himself the fear and caution of his potential failure, thus avoiding his brother’s condemnation. Yet, he did not stop there; he further humbled himself, declaring, “At least he will repent for his sin, whereas I may not genuinely repent, I may fail to attain true contrition.” Witness the illumination of his divine heart! Not only did he evade condemning his neighbor, but he also humbled himself.

In contrast, we—who often lack humility—unmindfully condemn, detest, and humiliate others when we perceive or suspect wrongdoing. Worse still, rather than reflecting on our own failings, when encountering a brother, we casually recount, “This and that has occurred,” inflicting harm and igniting sin in his heart. We disregard the warning of Him who said: “Woe to him that gives his neighbor a drink of poisonous corruption” (Abb. 2:15), thus becoming unwitting collaborators with demons, causing destruction both to ourselves and others. The soul, when harmed, becomes a vessel for demonic influence, whereas one who nurtures the soul assists holy angels. Our descent into such acts stems from a deficiency of love. If we truly had love, we would view our neighbors' shortcomings through compassion and sympathy, as it is written, “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). “Love... does not seek its own, it bears all things” (1 Cor. 13:5-7). If we embodied such love, it would overshadow every offense, mirroring how the saints treat humanity.

For do not the saints see transgressions? Who detests sin more than saints? Yet, they extend no hatred toward the sinner; rather, they show mercy, mourn for them, and encourage, comfort, and restore them as healing for a wounded member. Just as fishermen, when casting nets into the sea and encountering a struggling large fish, do not abruptly pull, lest the line break and the fish is lost. Instead, they allow it some freedom until it tires, then gradually reel it in. So too, the saints draw near to their brothers with patience and love, never abandoning them nor pressing too hard.

As a mother with an imperfectly formed child does not abhor or forsake him, but instead cherishes and cares for him to ensure his well-being, the saints cover, embrace, and assist, guiding the sinner towards timely repentance without harming others, aiding one another in growth within the love of Christ. Consider what St. Ammon did when brethren came to him, saying, “Father, such and such a brother has a woman in his cell.” Oh, the mercy and love this holy soul displayed! Discovering that the brother had hidden the woman beneath a tub, he sat on the very tub and requested the brethren search the cell fully. Upon finding nothing, he reassured them, “God forgive you.” In doing so, he shamed them for their hasty judgment and did them a great service, teaching them not to lightly accept accusations against a neighbor. He then corrected his brother, opting not only to shield him under God’s grace but to provide wise counsel at the appropriate moment. After sending the others away, he gently took the brother aside, saying, “Consider your soul, dear brother.” Instantly, this rebuke ignited shame within him, and the elder's compassion began to work wonders upon his soul.

“Judge not, lest ye be judged,” declared the Lord, “for with the judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). Refrain from judging and from undermining the work of the Lord, for only God is the righteous Judge, holding authority over both the living and the dead. Yet, you, O mortal, must examine yourself and be cautious: you too have causes for which you might be judged, and you expect accountability for your own actions – your own shortcomings are many. How can you then criticize another? Trust God, who made all, to render judgment on all matters, but remember to humble yourself.

Why do we pass judgment on our fellow believers? It is because we fail to examine ourselves. A person preoccupied with self-reflection lacks the inclination to criticize others. When you hold yourself accountable, you will cease to cast blame on those around you. Reject the sinful act, yet withhold judgment from the one who commits it. We ought to perceive ourselves as sinners, viewing the wrongful actions of others as reflections of our own flaws, and detest the adversary who entices them. There are times when we may think another is acting poorly, but in reality, they may be driven by noble intentions. Furthermore, the pathway to repentance is accessible to everyone, and it remains uncertain who will seize it first: the one who judges or the one who faces judgment.

“For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you use, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, there is a log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:1-5).

Condemnation, slander, and gossip are akin to one another and stem from an unchecked tongue and heart, lacking reverence for God. Condemnation manifests not only through words but also through thoughts, gestures, nods, sighs, laughter, and various other actions. The origins of these vices vary: 1) They often arise from pride: the arrogant, unable to tolerate the thought of another being their equal, excessively judges and belittles others or, seeking to obscure their own wrongs, maligns others so that listeners might believe they are free from the sins they attribute to their neighbor. 2) Envy can also be a source: the envious wish to see no honor or esteem afforded to others, and therefore seek to tarnish their reputation with disparaging remarks. 3) Malice plays a role, too; a spiteful individual, unable to retaliate against an adversary, tries to tarnish their reputation through slander. 4) Evil habits, jealousy, impatience, and further issues can contribute to this behavior.

Several reasons compel us to avoid these vices: 1) God has commanded us against judging and condemning our neighbors: “Judge not,” the Lord proclaims, “lest you be judged. And why do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? We will all stand before the judgment of Christ,” states the apostle (Rom. 14:10). Therefore, those who pass judgment on others disregard this divine command and defy God's will, resulting in severe sin. 2) Only Christ, the Son of God, possesses the authority to judge: “For the Father has given all judgment to Him” (John 5:22); He will administer justice impartially. Both the judge and the judged will face His righteous scrutiny and will be rewarded according to their deeds. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad,” asserts the holy Apostle (2 Cor. 5:10). Thus, those who harshly judge their neighbor usurp the role designated for Christ, which is a grave offense. “You are not commanded, O man,” St. Chrysostom says, “to judge others, but to evaluate yourself: why then do you seek to appropriate the role of your Lord? Judgment belongs to Him, not to you” (Discourse 11 on 1 Epistle to the Corinthians). He further states, “Every sinner has his judge: do not usurp the honor of the Only Begotten Son of God; to Him alone has the throne of judgment been established” (Discourse 42 on Matthew the Evangelist). 3) It displeases a master when his servant is judged unjustly by others. Everyone is a servant of God—how disheartening it is for Him to see His servant judged and maligned! We are judged in His sight, for He is omnipresent and observes all. 4) Every neighbor is a servant of God, standing or falling before his Lord; thus, judging and speaking ill of God’s servant is a grievous matter. “Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand,” articulates the apostle (Rom. 14:4). 5) All of us stand as sinners before God. If at this moment you are free from sin, it does not preclude the possibility of having sinned previously or the potential for future sin; you may even sin more grievously than your neighbor, whom you deem sinful. Repentance is a shared journey. Evil resides within us. Our most formidable adversaries are our own passions. We remain susceptible to the same temptations. Today it may be your neighbor, but tomorrow you too may fall, albeit in thought or word rather than in action. Without God’s grace, we are solely capable of evil. Cases abound that illustrate this truth. 6) Frequently, many who appear to be sinners before us may harbor genuine righteousness within, while some considered righteous outwardly might harbor internal sinfulness, rendering them hypocrites. To the world, they may appear wise, yet to Christ, they are foolish. 7) Often, the disparaging words of the wicked, the envious, and the proud are hurled without cause, resulting in the innocent suffering unjust reproach. 8) Those who condemn others will themselves face condemnation, in agreement with Christ's exhortation: “Judge not, and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:37). 9) Offending a neighbor through condemnation causes greater damage than inflicted with a rod; indeed, the wounds of the body heal more quickly than those of the soul. While the body may suffer from physical blows, the soul experiences injury from malignant words. The repercussions of this injury yield sorrow, leading to weakness and ultimately death. The more grievous the reproach, the deeper the wound to the spirit and the greater the ensuing sorrow. An ambitious individual would rather lose wealth than their good name; while wealth can be regained, a good reputation is far more difficult to restore. 10) The higher the status of the person reviled, the greater is the harm and the sin committed by the one who reviles. 11) When a ruler is unjustly judged and reviled, the respect of his subordinates diminishes; from that disrespect arises contempt, leading to disobedience, which precipitates chaos and disorder, as anyone can understand. Thus, while condemning others is a sin and a serious one at that, to speak ill of a ruler constitutes an even graver sin. 12) It is often the case that even when someone has indeed sinned, they have also repented, and God forgives those who seek His mercy; therefore, it is unwise for a person to condemn one whom God has forgiven and justified. 13) To illustrate the severity and abhorrence of the vices of condemnation and slander, we reference St. Chrysostom's teaching: “Even if no other sin has been committed, this alone could lead us to the abyss of hell, as we, with heavy logs in our eyes unnoticed, constantly judge others for their faults, and our lives are consumed with scrutinizing and re-judging the deeds of others, without reflecting on what is at stake, for ‘with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you use, it will be measured back to you’” (Matt. 7:2 - In Book 1 of the Propitiation to the monk Demetrius). “Do not condemn another; rather strive to correct yourself, lest you find yourself deserving of condemnation. If you accuse others of transgressions that you do not commit, your punishment will be even greater, as the righteous are not permitted to condemn others, much less are sinners.” “Even if you pronounce righteous judgments against your neighbor, or speak the truth regarding their visible actions, you still will not escape the penalty; God will judge you not based on their deeds, but by your words. As it is written, ‘By your words you will be judged’” (Matthew 12:37). The Pharisee spoke that which was righteous and known to all, yet he also received rebuke for it. If known deeds ought not to be used to admonish others, how much less should we speak of uncertain actions” (Discourse 42 on Matthew the Evangelist). “What good is it if we abstain from meats and fish while we devour one another? For slanderers and disreputable individuals gnaw at their neighbor’s flesh” (Discourse 3 on the departure of Bishop Flavian). “Even if we consumed ashes, such rigor would profit us nothing without refraining from slander, for ‘it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a man, but what proceeds from the mouth’” (Discourse 3 on the departure of Bishop Flavian). “What evil does not spring from mockery? It breeds hatred, enmity, and discord, and gives rise to ill suspicions, leading to countless evils” (Discourse on Psalm 100). “Those who love slander serve the devil.” “As a herald of truth saves many through his words, so conversely, the slanderer destroys multitudes with destructive utterances, inciting the degradation of men. Moreover, not just the bodies of individuals are harmed, but also their souls are ensnared, being led astray by flattering tongues that instill false and wicked notions” (Discourse on Psalm 61). “Not only should we refrain from reviling our neighbor, but we should also avoid listening to those who cast slander” (Discourse 3 on the departure of Bishop Flavian). St. Chrysostom’s writings convey these important truths. Reflect upon this, those of you who speak evilly and do not recognize the sinfulness in maligning and slandering your neighbor.

To steer clear of these vices, consider the following advice: 1) Each person should focus on themselves, recognizing their own vices and sins and striving to cleanse them; for these will be the areas where they will suffer when standing before God's judgment, should they fail to repent. Contemplating one’s own sins inhibits the tendency to seek out the faults of others. Like a weak individual who cares for his own needs rather than others, the one who perceives their own spiritual frailty attempts first to rid themselves of it, addressing their shortcomings before confronting others, first extracting the plank from their own eye before attempting to address the speck in their brother's eye. 2) Bear in mind that you will be judged for such judgments. 3) Steer clear of indecent conversations, where people are merely judging and tormenting each other’s reputations. 4) Distance yourself from those who possess this malicious habit, as one would from lepers, whose corrupt presence harms others. 5) Offer compassion to your brother who has faltered or is faltering, embracing an attitude of love, cautioning against their fall, while praying to the merciful God for their restoration, imploring Him not to let you fall into the same transgressions. 6) For those who struggle with the habit of prayer, join the Psalmist in pleading, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth” (Psalm 140:3), while remembering these teachings.

The judgment the Savior refers to here is not the one executed by appointed judges acting under God’s law. These stewards of public order have been granted divine authority to judge, which is essential for a well-functioning society. Their righteous discernment constitutes a sacred duty to God, the community, and the nation. However, within the human heart, marred by sin, there exists a dangerous inclination to assess and condemn others unjustly. This tendency often aims not at restoring one's neighbor but at tarnishing reputations, ridiculing weaknesses, and turning fellow humans, who should be the objects of compassion, into targets of scorn and hostility.

What a malady gossip and judgment are! It’s widely recognized as sinful, yet expressions of condemnation are prevalent in our conversations. Some might assert, "God does not condemn," yet they conclude with their own verdicts. Others rationalize that a sensible person should form his own opinion on the matter at hand, approaching their arguments with a facade of reason; however, even the most basic observer can discern an arrogant and triumphal form of condemnation in what they say. Meanwhile, the Lord's verdict on this sin is both stern and unequivocal. Those who judge others stand without excuse. What can be done? How can we steer clear of discord? The most effective solution against judgment is to view oneself as condemned.

Anyone who unlawfully seizes a position of authority acts as a fraud; anyone who claims the authority that exclusively belongs to God stands against God and embodies the spirit of the antichrist. As the Monk Dorotheus observes, "To God alone belongs the power to justify and condemn, for He fully understands the inner thoughts of each individual, along with their strengths, upbringing, talents, physical traits, and abilities; thus, He exercises judgment based on His unique knowledge. He alone is the just Judge of the living and the dead, and human beings may only judge one another when granted the right and authority by God Himself.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). Some individuals have the authority to pass judgment on others, including the priest, the judge in his court, the ruler in his realm, and the head of a household. However, even these figures can find themselves guilty of unjustly judging their neighbor if their intent lacks purpose—specifically, to deter wrongdoing—or if their judgment is formed in secret. Condemnation is not mere slander when it is based on evident wrongdoings or flaws of others. Who among us is unaware that condemning others is sinful? Yet, few can claim to never engage in such behavior. What prompts this inclination to condemn?

Refrain from making judgments. What is prohibited is not the act of judgment itself or the sincere evaluation of others’ actions, which is essential in life, particularly in the public sphere. Instead, the prohibition pertains to the condemnation of a neighbor's behavior, especially when such condemnation is personal and arises from self-serving and impure motivations—like vanity and pride—rather than through legitimate judicial processes, which are vital in any community. Assessments regarding the nature of our neighbor’s actions are acceptable if they are grounded in a true understanding and driven by a devout desire for God’s glory.