Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:3-5 NIV
Self-examination before judging others sits at the heart of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7. Jesus asks why we notice the speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own. His words gently yet firmly expose a common spiritual danger. We often observe faults in others with ease, yet remain unaware of deeper issues within ourselves. Therefore, Jesus calls His followers to honest reflection rather than comparison or fault-finding.
Jesus’ teaching places responsibility firmly on the individual believer. The most pressing issue does not involve identifying another person’s weakness. Instead, it concerns responding rightly to what God reveals within our own lives. When a plank exists in the eyes and receives honest attention, clarity follows. Consequently, that clarity allows us to help others with humility rather than judgment. However, unresolved personal issues always limit our ability to offer genuine spiritual help.
Self-examination before judging others also requires clear spiritual sight. A person cannot give what they do not possess, especially discernment and clarity. Without addressing personal blindness, attempts to guide others remain ineffective. Moreover, the problem grows more serious when personal struggles mirror or exceed the faults we criticise. In such moments, Jesus exposes the inconsistency between outward concern and inward neglect.
The Danger of Inattention and Hypocrisy
Jesus highlights a troubling lack of attentiveness to what should appear obvious. Something significant can exist within us, yet we completely overlook it. This spiritual inattention does not occur suddenly. Rather, it develops when we focus outward while avoiding inward reflection. As a result, hypocrisy replaces transformation. Jesus does not condemn correction itself. Instead, He challenges corrections that lack humility and self-awareness.
A Prayerful Response of Humility and Surrender
This teaching naturally leads to prayer. The heart cries out for God to search deeply and reveal our hidden faults. Such a prayer asks God to test thoughts, expose anxiety, and uncover anything displeasing to Him. Furthermore, it seeks guidance in the everlasting way rather than temporary self-justification. This posture does not resist correction. Instead, it welcomes transformation.
Ultimately, self-examination before judging others reflects humility and surrender. The prayer asks God to open blind eyes and guard against hypocrisy. It expresses a willingness to change rather than accuse. Above all, it seeks grace, clarity, and obedience through Christ. This response aligns with Jesus’ call to look inward first, so that any outward help flows from truth and love. This must be our response.
Living It Out
Ask God to search your heart honestly today. Invite Him to reveal areas that need correction. Choose humility over comparison, and allow true transformation to begin within.