That whole 'log in your own eye' thing

[Gem]

Originally Posted by A human Being

I find myself coming back to that famous Jesus question (I wouldn't call myself a Christian, but Jesus quotes are coming back me quite a lot, of late), 'why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye, and not the log in your own?' I've always liked it, but the one thing that jarred for me a little was the apparent suggestion that your own sins are much greater than those of everyone else, but it occurred to me the other day that maybe it's simply a question of perspective?' Like, a splinter would look the size of a log if it were in your own eye (and you actually chose to see it)?

I think it means, no-one's perfect so don't be such a b word.

[A human Being]

Oops, forgot I started this thread, apologies!

I get the meaning of the question, I was specifically pondering the log and the splinter thing, which to my mind sounded like Jesus was saying that your own sins are much greater than those of your brother (because a log is orders of magnitude bigger than a splinter, obviously). But then, as I say, it occurred to me that it's just a question of perspective - I know that when I started to look at my own misdeeds, I felt like I was a dreadful person with no redeeming qualities for a while.

It's probably not so important, the main thing is that you have the humility to dispassionately look at your own actions and behaviour.

[bedfordhouse]

I take it to mean, mind your own business, deal with yourself first, that we overlook our own problems and focus on others, when in reality, out neighbour is none of our business, you are responsible for your own life not of your neighbour's actions.

Originally Posted by A human Being

I find myself coming back to that famous Jesus question (I wouldn't call myself a Christian, but Jesus quotes are coming back me quite a lot, of late), 'why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye, and not the log in your own?' I've always liked it, but the one thing that jarred for me a little was the apparent suggestion that your own sins are much greater than those of everyone else, but it occurred to me the other day that maybe it's simply a question of perspective?' Like, a splinter would look the size of a log if it were in your own eye (and you actually chose to see it)?

I've heard someone explaining it in a way that it means having judgemental/overcritical attitude is the log in ones own eye. Meaning that very often persons own judgemental attitude is actually far worse thing than anything he/she is critisizing.

Obviously it can be read in many ways, but I like that interpretation.

Originally Posted by A human Being

I find myself coming back to that famous Jesus question (I wouldn't call myself a Christian, but Jesus quotes are coming back me quite a lot, of late), 'why do you see the splinter in your brother's eye, and not the log in your own?' I've always liked it, but the one thing that jarred for me a little was the apparent suggestion that your own sins are much greater than those of everyone else, but it occurred to me the other day that maybe it's simply a question of perspective?' Like, a splinter would look the size of a log if it were in your own eye (and you actually chose to see it)?

Seeing as there have been translations and oral transmission of the teachings before they hit the page, I go with the meaning, not the words per se.

The purpose is simple: work on your own spiritual practice, don't judge that of others. As humans, we may find it natural to gossip, or even judge others by our own belief systems. However, a religious practice based around judging others does NOTHING to bring you closer to God or advance you spiritually. Besides, we do not know the conditions from which others' actions arise, so how are we in any position to make a judgment of whose sin is greater? If you judge others without your actions being impeccable, you will only bring ridicule on your own beliefs... and there will be no one to blame for this desecration but yourself. Instead, draw people to you by shining the light of God in your own life. Let them know you by your fruits, not because of your venom and judgment. Matthew, in fact, has a verse that everyone should ponder... I find this to be one of the more poignant verses in the Gospels:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

-Matthew 7:15-20

In summa: one who talks about piety but produces venom, judgment and derision is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Work on bearing the fruit of righteousness in your own life to save both yourself and others.

-TaoSandwich