7:1–5 Human nature encourages us to pay far more attention to the shortcomings of others than to our own faults. We tend to evaluate others on the basis of a lofty standard of righteousness that somehow is not applicable to our own performance. Jesus says, Do not judge. The Greek construction (mē plus the present imperative) carries with it the idea of ceasing what you are now doing. Williams translates, “Stop criticizing others.” Judging, in this context, implies a harsh and censorious spirit. If you insist on condemning others, you exclude yourself from God’s forgiveness. Although it is psychologically true that a critical spirit receives from others a harsh response, Jesus is here speaking of final judgment. The NIV correctly translates, or you too will be judged.

The admonition not to…