Watch our anime Bible video below or read on to find out what Jesus meant.
👁️ Why did Jesus ask, “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?” (Matthew 7:3)
It’s a strange thing to say, right? Aside from a bad accident, how could anyone have a wooden plank in their eye?
But here’s the thing: Jesus wasn’t talking about actual wood. Instead, He was using a vivid image to teach us a big lesson about how we judge ourselves and others.
Focusing on others’ faults
The truth is, as humans, we tend to first notice the small flaws in others—their “specks”—but minimize or ignore our own bigger problems, or “planks.” We’re quick to spot when someone else makes a mistake, but slower to recognize and correct our own.
Example: Imagine you have a friend who often interrupts during conversations. It’s easy to get annoyed and think they’re being rude. But you might not realize that you also talk a lot and don’t always listen. Jesus’s teaching tells us to examine our own behavior first before judging others, reminding us to be more patient and self-aware.
Look at ourselves first
The main point Jesus is making is that we should stop ignoring our own “planks.” Before we criticize or try to “fix” others, we need to honestly examine ourselves. We should stay humble, acknowledge our own struggles with sin, and remember that everyone needs God’s help to improve.
⚠️ To be clear: Jesus isn’t saying we should avoid helping our friends, nor is He telling us to stay silent when someone else is making poor choices or heading down the wrong path. In fact, the Bible says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently” (Galatians 6:1, NIV).
So, yes, God wants us to help others, but He wants us to do it with kindness, compassion, and an understanding that everyone needs grace.
When we remember this, we can better support others with the patience and empathy we’d want for ourselves.
Conclusion
Jesus’s teaching about planks and specks is a reminder not to ignore our own sins while helping others. Let’s keep this lesson in mind as we strive to live out God’s truth in our daily lives.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Am I trying to fix someone else’s ‘speck’ while walking around with a ‘plank’ in my own eye?
- Would I want someone else to treat me the way I’m treating others right now?
- Am I approaching others with kindness and understanding, recognizing that I also have areas where I need to improve?
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