Matthew 7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged ,.... Both by God and men; to which agree those proverbial sentences used by the Jews; "He that judgeth his neighbour according to the balance of righteousness, or innocence, they judge him according to righteousness.' F23 T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 127. 2. And a little after, "As ye have judged me according to the balance of righteousness, God will judge you according to the balance of righteousness.' Hence that advice of Joshua... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:3

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye ?.... By "mote" is meant, any little bit of straw, or small splinter of wood, that flies into the eye, and does it damage, hinders its sight, and gives it pain; and designs little sins, comparatively speaking, such as youthful follies, human frailties, and infirmities, inadvertencies and imprudencies; which may be said to be light faults, in comparison of others: and though not to be vindicated, nor continued in, yet not to be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:4

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother ?.... This is not so much an interrogation, as an expression of admiration, at the front and impudence of such censorious remarkers, and rigid observators; who not content to point at the faults of others, take upon them to reprove them in a very magisterial way: and it is as if Christ had said, with what face canst thou say to thy friend or neighbour, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye ? give me leave to rebuke thee sharply for thy sin, as it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:5

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye ,.... Very rightly does our Lord call such a man an hypocrite, who is very free in remarking and reproving other men's sins, and covering his own; and indeed, one end of his critical observations, rigid censures, and rash judgments is, that he might be thought to be holier than he is. Christ very manifestly points at the Scribes and Pharisees, who were men of such a complexion; and whom he often, without any breach of charity,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:6

Give not that which is holy to the dogs ,.... Dogs were unclean creatures by the law; the price of one might not be brought into the house of the Lord, for a vow, Deuteronomy 23:18 yea, these creatures were not admitted into several temples of the Heathens F8 Vid. Alex. ab. Alex. Gaeial. Dier. l. 2. c. 14. . Things profane and unclean, as flesh torn by beasts, were ordered to be given to them, Exodus 22:31 but nothing that was holy was to be given them, as holy flesh, or the holy... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:7

Ask and it shall be given you ,.... This is to be understood of asking of God in prayer, for such things as are wanting; whether of a temporal nature, as food and raiment, which Christ, in the former chapter, had warned against an immoderate and anxious concern for; or of a spiritual nature, as grace, and wisdom to behave in a proper manner, both towards God and men: and such, who ask according to the will of God, in the name of Christ, and under the direction, guidance, and influence of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:8

For everyone that asketh receiveth ,.... For God is no respecter of persons; whoever makes application, be he a Jew, or a Gentile, rich or poor, bond or free, a man of great gifts, or mean parts, provided he asks aright, from right principles, and with right views, shall not lose his labour; but shall receive all such good things at the hand of God, as are suitable and convenient for him. And he that seeketh findeth ; he that seeks for God in Christ, the grace and mercy of God, the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:9

Or what man is there of you ,.... "That is a father", as in Luke 11:11 that is, is in the relation, and has the affections of a father; and indeed is a man, and has the nature and passions of a man; unless he is become a mere brute, and devoid of all humanity, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone ? No, by no means; no man can act such a merciless, cruel part as this to a child: for though he might impose upon him by the likeness of some sort of stones with bread; yet... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:10

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? Which is somewhat like a fish, especially an eel. Fish and bread are mentioned, because these were common food; see Mark 6:41 John 21:13 and particularly in Galilee, a fish country, where Christ now was, and from whence he had called his disciples, who were fishermen. In Luke 11:12 it is added, "or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?" which is used, as the rest, to show the absurdity and inhumanity of such conduct; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:11

If ye then being evil, .... As all mankind in general are, both by nature and practice: they are conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity; are evil from their youth, and transgressors from the womb; are corrupt, and do abominable things; and such these Jews were Christ speaks unto; and who, very likely, has respect chiefly to the evil of covetousness they were addicted to. The argument is taken from the lesser to the greater, and runs thus; that if ye, who are but men, men on earth, yea evil... read more

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