Righteous Judgment: Understanding Matthew 7 in Context

Few verses in the Bible are more misunderstood and misused than Matthew 7:1:

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

This single phrase has been weaponized to silence Christians, justify sin, and distort Jesus’ teachings. But is this really what Christ meant? Did He command us to abandon discernment, ignore falsehood, and never call out sin?

The world—and sadly, many Christians—have embraced a dangerous misinterpretation of this passage. However, Jesus never condemned righteous judgment—He condemned hypocrisy. A proper understanding of Matthew 7 is not a call to silence but a command to judge rightly.

This verse has become one of the most misquoted in Scripture. There’s even a meme circulating of a Bible opened to Matthew 7, where everything after “Judge not” is scribbled out, as if Jesus left it at that.

Ironically, those who declare "You shouldn’t judge!" are making a judgment themselves. The inconsistency is glaring, yet many fail to recognize it.

So, what did Jesus actually mean? Did He command His followers to abandon all discernment, never call out sin, and simply let everything go unchecked?

This morning, we will dig deeper into Matthew 7, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, and understanding the difference between righteous judgment and self-righteous condemnation.

The Shopping Cart Test: A Modern Example of Judgment

Recently, I came across a thought-provoking post about shopping carts and their role in determining whether a society is capable of self-government.

The argument was simple:

• Everyone agrees that returning a shopping cart to the designated area is the right thing to do.

• There is no law requiring it and no punishment for failing to do it.

• If people only do the right thing when they are forced to, then they are not capable of self-governing.

To me, this was a valid observation about personal responsibility and moral character.

However, when I shared this idea, I received pushback from Christians, claiming that it was "judgmental" to suggest that people who don’t return their carts might lack the moral character for self-government.

One person even used Matthew 7:1 against me:

“The Bible says we’re not supposed to judge!”

Then—ironically—they proceeded to judge me for making a judgment.

Does Matthew 7 allow a loophole?

"Judge not, unless you see someone else judging, then it's okay to judge them."

Of course not! The simplest way to understand Jesus’ words is to keep reading the passage. However, we’re going to go even further—examining the broader biblical context to uncover what Jesus truly meant about judgment.

You Shall Know Them by Their Fruits

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus issues a clear warning:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

This assumes that there will be individuals in leadership positions within the church who do not genuinely serve Christ. Some will enter ministry not because they are called by God, but for personal gain, power, or recognition.

Jesus provides a clear standard for identifying them:

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)

So, what is the fruit of a ministry leader? It is not merely their words, theological positions, or the size of their congregation. Rather, it is the long-term impact of their leadership.

A Faithful Minister Will Produce Fruit Characterized By:

✔️ Righteousness – A genuine pursuit of holiness, evident in both personal conduct and biblical teaching. 

✔️ Humility – A servant’s heart, recognizing that all authority belongs to Christ alone. 

✔️ Commitment to leading others closer to Christ – A ministry that calls people to repentance, discipleship, and a deeper relationship with God.

A False Teacher Will Eventually Be Exposed By:

❌ Corruption in doctrine – Twisting Scripture for personal or ideological gain. 

❌ Moral failure – A life that contradicts the biblical standards they claim to uphold. 

❌ Exploitation of others – Using their position for financial profit, power, or manipulation.

Jesus continues:

“Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” (Matthew 7:17-18)

A ministry leader’s fruit will not remain hidden forever. If their influence leads to confusion, worldliness, pride, or moral decay, their leadership must be questioned.

Jesus’ final statement on the matter is severe:

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (Matthew 7:19)

For this reason, Jesus does not say:

• “By their words you shall know them.”

• “By their appearance you shall know them.”

But rather:

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:20)

Judge Ministry Leaders Rightly

Scripture commands us to judge ministry leaders by their fruit.

For men in ministry, the first standard is their family:

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach...” (1 Timothy 3:2-7)

Paul’s instructions to Timothy outline specific qualifications for those in church leadership. Ministry leaders must be examined before they are entrusted with the care of God’s people.

If You Turn One from Sin, You Will Save a Soul

James closes his letter with a powerful exhortation:

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)

This passage speaks to the responsibility of believers to help one another walk in righteousness. Jesus warned about false prophets, providing a clear way to recognize them—by their fruit.

This requires judgment. Yet many who insist, "We shouldn’t judge," rarely apply that statement to themselves.

Ironically, the very passage they use to silence others is actually meant to encourage self-examination.

A Proper Understanding of Matthew 7

Jesus is not condemning judgment itself—He is warning against hypocrisy.

Throughout Scripture, we are called to:

✔️ Evaluate spiritual leaders by their fruit. 

✔️ Restore a wandering brother. ✔️ Uphold the truth in love.

However, judgment must begin with ourselves.

Are we walking in the Spirit, producing love, patience, and self-control? Or are we acting in arrogance, quick to condemn while blind to our own faults?

True biblical discernment requires:

✔️ Humility 

✔️ Wisdom 

✔️ A heart aligned with God's truth

Call to Action: Judge Rightly

✔️ Examine your own walk with Christ. Are you producing the fruit of the Spirit? 

✔️ Hold leaders accountable. Does their life reflect righteousness or corruption? 

✔️ Speak truth in love. When you see a brother wandering, do you restore or remain silent?

The world is drowning in moral confusion. The church must not retreat into passivity.

Righteous judgment is not condemnation—it is obedience to Christ.

Stand firm, judge rightly, and shine as a light in a dark world.

🚀 Because by their fruits, you shall know them.