An Expositional Study Of The Sermon On The Mount
BAD AND GOOD CRITICISM
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6 (KJV)
JUDGE NOT, THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED. FOR WITH WHAT JUDGMENT YE JUDGE, YE SHALL BE JUDGED: AND WITH WHAT MEASURE YE METE, IT SHALL BE MEASURED TO YOU AGAIN. AND WHY BEHOLDEST THOU THE MOTE THAT IS IN THY BROTHER’S EYE, BUT CONSIDEREST NOT THE BEAM THAT IS IN THINE OWN EYE? OR HOW WILT THOU SAY TO THY BROTHER, LET ME PULL OUT THE MOTE OUT OF THINE EYE; AND, BEHOND, A BEAM IS IN THINE OWN EYE? THOU HYPOCRITE, FIRST CAST OUT THE BEAM OUT OF THINE OWN EYE; AND THEN SHALT THOU SEE CLEARLY TO CAST OUT THE MOTE OUT OF THY BROTHER’S EYE. GIVE NOT THAT WHICH IS HOLY UNTO THE DOGS, NEITHER CAST YE YOUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE, LEST THEY TRAMPLE THEM UNDER THEIR FEET, AND TURN AGAIN AND REND YOU.
First reading
A first reading of this passage gives one the impression that it is against criticism of people; one is inclined to title it, “Stop Criticizing,” as Moffatt’s translation of Romans 14:13, “Let us stop criticizing one another.” And that would certainly be a theme worth covering; for, sad to say, this is a sin that seems to be rampant among us today. We can better understand people of the world who are away from Jesus Christ living selfish lives, criticizing one another, backbiting, and slandering. But for this to be pursued by some Christians is both a shock and tragedy. However, that is only a third part of the Master’s teaching in this part of our study – a more careful examination reveals that here we have three kinds of criticism – one deprecated, two commended. First,
We are to eschew spiteful criticism
“Judge not.” Is this an absolute prohibition? There are some who go as far as to say that this verse prevents a Christian from being on a jury; but surely the inspired words of the apostle Peter gives us a contrary impression, “Submit yourselves to . . . the king . . . or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well” (1 Pet. 2:13-14). Moreover, there is a mental quality in our make-up, a critical faculty we do well both to educate and use, taking care, in the Master’s own words, “judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Paul asks, “Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?” (1 Cor. 6:5). Responsible people are frequently exercising this critical faculty in giving “references” concerning applications for employment; and those entrusted with the church’s well-being, the elders, have to constantly do the same in selecting those who will be appointed to various tasks. Surely all this judgment is not improper for the Christian. It seems to us that our Lord has a different thing in mind, that censorious spirit we all know so well, and from which we pray from our hearts, “Lord please deliver us.”
Do not judge
For many reasons we are warned against indulging in this practice. We probably are unaware of all the facts. Before we allow ourselves to be “down on” someone’s behavior, are we sure that we are cognizant of, and have assessed the strength of, his temptations, heredity, and environment? Perhaps we were not brought up in a drunkard’s home, a gambler’s home, an unclean home: so we would not know much about it. While we loathe the sin with all our outraged indignation we must see that we do not criticize the poor sinner but sympathize – with a real sympathy that cares enough to actually try and help him. There is almost always “another side” to everything: even that tale we may hear that seems so circumstantial will probably have another side, and will be capable of a different interpretation when we know. So let us not hastily make up our minds when we hear rumors. Let us never make up our minds until we have heard both sides.
By the grace of God
Let us never forget that in like circumstances we might possibly be as bad. If we call ourselves “Christian;” if we experience any degree of victory over sin; if we have attained any measure of holiness of life, it is all of God’s grace. A spiritually wise Christian once saw a convict chained to a warden crossing a street. He was heard to say, “There but for the grace of God goes this old preacher.” He felt that if it had not been for that, he might have been, not a greatly loved, grand old preacher, but perhaps a prisoner. How Paul would have applauded that sentiment – “now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed” (Gal. 1:23). His testimony would be that except for the grace of God he would have continued to be a persecutor and not a preacher. We cannot recall a single sentence throughout the whole of his utterances or letters in which he uses one word of complaint against his own persecutors: he never forgot that if God’s grace had not laid hold of him he would have remained one. Such a thought should help guard us against criticism of others.
It all comes back
Another point is that we will certainly find it recoiling on our own heads. Criticism is a bludgeon: it is also a boomerang; it has a nasty habit of coming back and hurting the person who throws it at others. The Master here says, “with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” This may mean that we will “be judged” by God based on our behavior to others. Already in this Sermon He has enunciated it as a law of the kingdom. That in certain ways He does “measure” His attitude to us in accordance with the measure of our treatment of others – “If ye forgive men . . . your heavenly Father will . . . forgive you . . . but if . . . not” – no (5:14-15). However, the point here is probably this: mutual reciprocity in judgment should be expected from others. They will be prone to pay us back in like manner. In other words, he who spitefully criticizes others will be mercilessly criticized. Consider Ishmael in Genesis 16:12, whose “hand [was] against every man” (emphasis added), with the inevitable consequence, “every man’s hand against him.” Consider Adoni-bezek in Judges 1:6-7, whose enemies “cut off his thumbs and his great toes.” Why? Because, on his own confession he had treated seventy other kings in exactly the same way. Consider Haman in Ester 7:10, “they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.” Criticism is a firm believer in reprisals. We should beware of and avoid criticism.
Judgment of man – fallible
In addition: at best, we are fallible in our judgment. Knowing all the facts, two people can easily draw different conclusions; each convinced the other is wrong. Even though we think our judgment right, seeing that others have an opposite opinion based on exactly the same facts, it is not only fair and wise, but Christian to extend the benefit of doubt and at all cost refrain from criticism.
Quenching the spirit
A more serious consideration is: we are in grave danger of quenching the Spirit. In our personal life, few things so quickly tend to hold up the working of the Holy Spirit as the presence of the critical spirit in man. Much harm has been done to the Lord’s work when this evil thing has manifested itself. There are congregations of the Lord’s church whose spirit has been poisoned, influence ruined, blessing arrested, and the Master dishonored – simply because of criticism. Yes, this vile thing called criticism hurts everyone. Because of its widespread use among Christians, it has on occasion greatly damaged and effected the Lord’s people and their work for Him.
We are told not to criticize
When all is said and done, these arguments are subsidiary: if they did not exist, it would still be wrong for anyone to criticize. But for Christians, the all-sufficient reason is: we are told not to do it. That should be enough. It is disloyal to disobey – “judge not.” The form of Greek used in our text implies this is not a suggestion not to commence; but a command not to continue. Most of us have already started down the rocky road of criticism, but when we met the Lord, becoming one of His disciples, we should have stopped. With too many of us, it has become a habit of thought, almost a bias of the mind. Consider the hurt it does: homes destroyed; hopes blighted; hearts broken; churches divided; as well as other harm.
A cure
There is only one cure. What we have considered up to now may help with the diagnosis – helping us to understand the seriousness of the malady – but we must look elsewhere for the remedy. The remedy for criticism is found infallibly in one thing: Love. Spiteful criticism cannot live in the bracing atmosphere of Christian love. How is this to be found? Only in one way: “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Rom. 5:5); by completely surrendering our whole being to Jesus Christ (John 7:38-39). To be so “filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18b), that God’s love will permeate us through and through. Then, and only then, will the critical spirit in us take its departure, and the gentle spirit take up its abode.
We are to exercise self-criticism
The Master imparts this in a homely, but unforgettable way: the parable of the mote and the beam or as an old Christian carpenter said, “the sawdust and the plank.” Looking for small faults in others can do great harm. For instance, a little grit in the eye can spoil our vision, affecting the well-being of our whole body. Some have suffered serious loss in spiritual experience and service by allowing in their lives something small, yet potentiality harmful. The point in our text is that some people constantly look for little motes in others, and are disappointed if they do not find them. “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye?” “The verb in this text signifies staring – to stare at thy brother’s fault as people do while gazing at an object, thereby attracting others to gaze also” (Dr. James E. Priest). Unfortunately, there are fault-finders in almost every group of Christians. How delightfully different is the atmosphere of 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” In other words, love will draw a kindly veil over faults that rougher hands that are heedless of hurt would drag into the light.
Blind to faults of others
The main point in our text is this: blindness to self-faults – “The beam that is in thine own eye.” This is where and why the most searching and rigorous self-criticism is needed. Fault-finders usually have faults of their own; and curiously enough, the faults they find in others are often the same found in themselves, greatly magnified – from mote to beam. They profess to examine the little faults in the eyes of others, while their own are filled with fault. A blind guide is bad enough, but a blind oculist is a more ridiculous anomaly. In reality, one cannot have a beam in the eye. This is language of humorous hyperbole, calculated to drive the point home. Spurgeon said, “You must tickle the oyster to get the knife in.” From our text, there is no question that the knife gets in. The seemingly playful allusion becomes a severe medium of healthy self-criticism. Is there a beam in our own eye? Is it a larger specimen of the same thing we are criticizing in others? Probably, finding faults in others is an attempt to blind our own eyes (a form of inferiority complex), screening out our own faults from the eyes of others. Such, by their vehemence and venom, almost always give themselves away in the end, and are “found out” because they persist in spiteful fault-finding.
Removing our faults
But, observe: our text offers a suggestion of how to remove faults. It must be attempted carefully and prayerfully; it is a delicate work and the eye is a precious organ. “First . . . thine own.” If we are going to help others, we must first help ourselves. Consider the Lord’s words to Peter, “and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). Fact is, what makes us Christians is the regeneration of the Holy Spirit: something eternally abiding yet done once for all. But, although regenerate (“born again”), as Peter undoubtedly was, it is sadly possible to stray from the path. If we do, our need will then be conversion (“turning back”). This we can do as often as we sin and stray from the path. First, we are converted (“turning from sin to Christ”) by faith in the faith of Christ.1 The instant we are raised from baptism we are regenerated. This never needs repetition. However, if we are not careful and mindful, we may need to be converted again. Not to be received into the family, but, to be forgiven by God and restored to the fellowship of the family. This was Peter’s situation; only when he was restored was he in a fit condition to help others. “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Ps. 51:13). This can happen, but only after Psalm 51 has been granted. “Create . . . renew . . . cast not . . . take not . . . restore . . . uphold . . . then.” The conjunction of Peter’s, “when,” and David’s, “then,” leads on to our Lord’s, “first . . . thine own,” in our text.
Helping our brother
“Then . . . thy brother’s.” The Lord does not discourage us from helping our brother in his fault. But, He does oppose using the wrong spirit. The real desire to help; the truly humble spirit that first seeks to right itself – this He encourages. He desires that we take real pains to help rid our brother of his mote. This is one of the great objects of self- criticism. Paul points out a further advantage, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:31). Paul makes it clear that the Lord’s judgment of us, not man’s, is the dread alternative to the exercise of self-criticism. Here is a third feature of our text:
We are to employ sensible criticism
Matthew 7:6 is curious. Whatever it teaches, it certainly makes plain the necessity for a Christian to discriminate between people, discerning character. Counteracting unholy people involves a certain reasonable criticism. Keep in mind, when our Lord talks of “dogs” and “swine,” He is referring to unholy men. A child of God must discern their nature and be able to point them out to others. In this way, a believer can help reduce their capacity for harm among the flock to a minimum. To be uncritical in this area is to be silly, not saintly.
“Dog”
“Dog” is used elsewhere in Scripture, referring to unholy men: Revelation 22:15, “without are dogs;” Philippians 3:2, “beware of dogs.” In both cases, as in Matthew 7:6, the word refers to the Eastern pariah dog – scavenger, filthy, savage. It is the word often used by Jews of Gentiles, “dogs of Gentiles” – certainly not a compliment. It is interesting that when the Lord referred to “dogs,” in Matthew 15:26, He used the diminutive of the former word, meaning “a little house-dog” – which did indeed “eat of the crumbs which fall from the master’s table.”
“Swine”
“Swine” is also used in other Scriptures. An interesting example is 2 Peter 2:22, “It is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” The dog and swine can do harm in the fold if we do not, by a sensible criticism, learn an accurate discrimination and, thus, counteract their influence.
Safeguarding holy things
A child of God must safeguard holy things. Portions of certain sacrifices, holy portions, were reserved for the priests’ use. If he met a hungry pariah dog, a priest would not dream of throwing him “that which is holy.” To a dull-witted savage hog, pearls might seem at first to be acorns, but no one would think of throwing him a handful. The believer possesses pearls of truth, holy things indeed, and should be careful to safeguard them. His gems of deep spiritual understanding are not for an outspoken unbeliever who would not appreciate them, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” When the Lord was before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:9), the king “questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.” Even though earlier (Luke 13:32) the Lord called him a “fox,” here He says nothing. His pearls were not for such as he.
Summary
So, as taught by the Spirit, we must at times employ a sensible criticism in order to discover true character. Not in a spitefully critical spirit, but in love, always remembering that love is “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). Let us strive to eliminate the unholy habit of censorious judging. The story is told of three Christian ladies who began criticizing a missionary in the presence of a spiritually wise Christian brother. They repeatedly told the missionary that he ought not to do this and that, appealing for the Christian brother’s opinion. He gave them no answer, but they went on criticizing and insisting on his opinion. So, he told them, “In Revelation 12:10b, it is the work of Satan to accuse brethren, and I will not take sides with him.” What a devastating rebuke. Such spiritually wise Christian’s are greatly missed in our age.
