Why do you notice the sliver in your friend’s eye, but overlook the timber in your own?

Question

You phony, first take the timber out of your own eye and then you’ll see well enough to remove the sliver from your friends eye.

Matthew 7:3-5

Why is it that people can't concentrate on fixing their own lives before commenting (judging) the best way to fix other's lives?

Actually, I wasn't refering to the nasty people in life, but I wonder if a particulary immature and timber-filled eyed woman is watching this question.

Answer 1

It's far easier to analyze others faults than it is your own. Often times people dislike things in others that they dislike about themselves, yet are unable to see within themselves, or are to afraid to see. It often seems easier to take the focus off yourself and direct it at someone else. I like to refer to this as immaturity.

Answer 2

Human nature I suppose. But do not confuse a friend trying to be honest about something with judging. If it is said in a loving way, it can actually help a person to face up to their shortcomings.
If it is intended in an ugly way, that is another story.
I would not use the quote for this question, unless you read all the context(story) involved.
And most important, no one can "fix" anyone.

Answer 3

I think a lot of people do this because it helps them to feel as though they are worthwhile. When someone has a problem in thier own life and they can actually give good advice to another person, it's empowering. This empowerment gives many people the strength to work on the things in thier own lives that might need fixing.

Answer 4

Very good question. If people would clean there own doorsteps first instead of other people, the world would be a much better place to live. Get used to it. People will never be able to mind there own business. They are perfect in there eyes, for example, my son was in counseling, the shrink that had him actually asked me if I could trust my son, I said no. She said you mean to tell me if I tell you its ok to trust your son, you still wont.? I said lady, how many kids do you have? She said none. But I have several degrees. I simply said. lady, there are not enough degrees in this world that you could possibly have to be able to make that statement. People are just no it alls. Tell them to stay out of your business. They dont feel what you feel.

Answer 5

Because we are judgemental by nature. A quick fix is to remember that the Bible says to judge not that you should not be judged. It's hard to do. I'm a work in progress.

Answer 6

perhaps when we help others work out a bad situation we are helping ourselves, and we do see ourselves in these people, we see where we may have gone wrong and we see how we can help someone else in their need.i assume your talking about the people who belittle others and make fun of people who are truly hurting.

Answer 7

I only offer help when people ask for it. Life is too short to go looking for trouble.

Answer 8

We're too worried about other people to care about ourselves.
When in reality, we should be worried about ourselves and perfecting our acts rather then those of others.