Don’t be a Hypocrite

 Don’t be a Hypocrite

Scripture: Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)

“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.

Devotion:

As we consider Matthew 7:3-5, we encounter a powerful and practical lesson from Jesus about human tendencies toward hypocrisy and judgment. In this passage, Jesus uses a vivid image: someone is quick to spot a tiny speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the large plank in their own. It’s a striking metaphor that challenges us to look at our own lives before criticizing others.

This teaching is not just about avoiding harsh judgment or minding our own business. It’s about humility and honesty with ourselves. We often find it easy to spot the faults of those around us—perhaps, a friend’s impatience, a coworker’s laziness, or a family member’s sharp tongue. But how often do we take a hard look at our own hearts? Jesus warns us that self-righteousness blinds us. Our flaws, like the proverbial plank, can be so significant that they hinder our ability to see others—and ourselves—clearly.

Jesus isn’t telling us to ignore wrongdoing or avoid helping others grow. Instead, He calls us to focus on our own sins and shortcomings first. Self-examination is the initial step toward spiritual maturity. When we humbly admit our need for grace and correction, we become more compassionate, less harsh, and more patient with those around us. Our perspective shifts—from condemnation to understanding, from pride to empathy.

Imagine what our relationships could look like if we took Jesus’ advice seriously. Instead of pointing fingers, we would become encouragers and supporters. Instead of criticizing, we would gently restore. The plank in our eye symbolizes not only personal sin but also the pride or denial that prevents us from seeing it. When we ask God to reveal our blind spots, we open ourselves to transformation—and only then can we truly help others with love and clarity.

Let this passage serve as an invitation to daily self-examination. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any “planks” that need to be removed. Treat others with the same grace and patience you wish for yourself. As you do, you’ll find your relationships deepening, your faith growing, and your witness becoming more genuine. In this way, we honor Christ’s teaching—not by pretending to be perfect, but by striving to love as He loves: with humility, honesty, and compassion.

Prayer:

Gracious God, we confess that we walk around with a variety of planks in our eyes. You know our weakness and blindness caused by these planks. Lord, remove the planks so we can see clearly to worship, praise your name, and truly see others without the barrier of our own sinfulness. May we be made so pure in your sight that we are worthy to worship you in spirit and truth. Amen.