New Testament Insights

Judge Not and the Art of Rebuke

It is not uncommon for the prohibition against judging others to be misconstrued as a blanket ban on all forms of evaluation and critique. In some cases, these words are used as a mantra to ward off all manner of criticism.

The Hidden Orchard

22 Dec 2023 — 4 min read

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

The first few verses relate an idea known in Rabbinic thought as Middah kneged Middah², or "Measure for measure."

An idea Jesus mentions in other places³ - holding others to harsh standards opts us into that same system of judgment - one that lacks the benefits of grace. In other words, we bring upon ourselves a measure for measure repayment for all of our infractions.

Altogether, the first section seems to prohibit judging others primarily for our own benefit. Often, some readers stop here - but we know there is more to the lesson:

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Or how can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Here, it seems to indicate that there is a time to point out someone's areas of opportunity - but there are some stipulations to consider from the outset. Similar Rabbinic teachings use the same metaphorical language in the context of rebuking others. For example:

Rabbi Tarfon says: I would be surprised if there is anyone in this generation who can receive rebuke. Why? Because if the one rebuking says to him: Remove the splinter from between your eyes, (i.e., rid yourself of a minor infraction), the other says to him: Remove the beam from between your eyes, (i.e., you have committed far more severe sins).

Rabbi Elazar ben Azaria says: I would be surprised if there is anyone in this generation who knows how to rebuke correctly, without embarrassing the person he is rebuking⁴.

In the Torah⁵, rebuke (יָכַח) is a necessary and constructive process to strengthen an individual and a community. In Proverbs 3:12, we read:

Whom the LORD loves, He rebukes,...

How to Rebuke

There are (3) things to consider before engaging with others.

We should make sure we have overcome this trait in ourselves first. As taught above, we may lose credibility if we are blatantly imbalanced in this area as well.
Humility is required from both the rebuker and the rebuked. If neither are humble, the results could be devastating.
We need to be careful not to embarrass the other person in the process lest we incur sin upon ourselves⁶, and our words become a kind of Lashon hara (evil speech)⁷.
We need to begin gently. The Zohar on Leviticus 19:17 indicates that G_D rebukes us gently and privately before escalating to more overt, and ultimately public rebukes. So too, we should consider the same pattern and start small.
Lastly, we need to make sure our intentions are pure. Rebuke is to guide and build up, not to vent frustration or draw out an apology for our own gain.

Is Rebuke Really Possible Today?

It seems to me that rebuke can only be effective within a community that has shared values and a vision of what good looks like. These values are given to us from G_D through the Torah.

With the Torah as our collective guide, each person can help the other navigate to the desired destination. Therefore, when seeking the path of truth, we should become thankful for the rebuke we receive⁸ and the lessons imparted to us.

“A rebuke enters deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes to a fool” - Proverbs 17:10

However, if we are not in such a community, the Sages have different advice altogether. Don't do it.

Jewish tradition tells us it is a mitzvah not to rebuke someone who will not listen. Especially avoid hurling Bible verses in situations where we lack the prerequisite criteria and relationship. This is what Jesus means in the next section when he says:

Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. - Matthew 7:6

This helps us understand the deeper problem of living in a secular society that no longer has common and established values. Without a shared vision, each person lives according to their personal and individualized version of good - their own "truth." Without a common vision, rebuke becomes virtually impossible.

Through these ideas, we are again reminded that we are not only to be careful with what we say, and how we speak to others - but we are to be sensitive as to whether or not the recipient can handle such remarks.

A person full of ego, or someone functioning at the worldly level, that is the level of the Nefesh⁹, will not likely accept rebuke constructively. The Sages warn that in later times, the generations will increasingly grow to hate rebuke. As in the passage above, how many today are on the spiritual level to truly give positive rebuke?

Be thankful for those who can speak the truth to you, those who are genuinely seeking to help you become the best version of yourself.