Expert: Edward Bode - 3/23/2007

Question
It is a common response to any disapproval of immoral behavior in society for someone to say, "Judge not, lest ye be judged". How does one respond to that Biblically?

Answer
Often it is difficult to counter one bible quote [sometimes taken out of context]with another.
Thinking about your reference to Mt 7:1, I have several thoughts:
1 -- The context here speaks to divine judgment.  We do not make the judgment of God on individual guilt of others.
2 -- In the passage, Mt joins other sayings.  Mt 7:5 says that after we clear the log from our eye, we can see clearly to take the speck out of others' eyes.  No one wants to be a hypocrite.
3 -- Even the devil can quote scripture -- Mt 4:6.
4 -- To give a pithy response, try Mt 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righeousness."
I hope these thoughts are of some help, JC.  If you want to add more, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes.