Context

I understand that it is common practice to use phrases to express oneself.  But this practice is only effective if a common context exists within the conversation.  Without common context, these quick little sentences can take on many different meanings within a group of people.  Even when a common context exists, however, that context can be wholly different than the one where the phrase originated.

As an example, lets use the common phrase "Judge not lest ye be judged."  I think I can safely say that most who use this phrase realize it is a passage from the Bible.  It is often used to instruct others that they should not judge other people.  Outside of the Biblical context, it may be a perfectly acceptable response to someone who is judging.  It really depends upon the setting.  However, when the discussion is how a Christian should act, the context is clearly identified as a Biblical one.  This is where this phrase is normally incorrectly applied.

If we look at the entire context of that passage, a different meaning emerges.

Matthew 7:1-5 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

In context, this does not say Christians should not judge.  Instead it is in regards to hypocritical or self-righteous judging.  In fact, verse 5 addresses the hypocrisy by saying first remove your plank so you can clearly see how to remove the one in your brother's eye.  It does not say you are not permitted to remove the plank from your brother's eye.

If we continue reading to verse 6, we are actually instructed to make a moral judgement so we avoid vainly sharing the Truth of the Lord with those who have turned from God and find no value in Him and those who would viciously oppose Him.  There is and even deeper discussion here, but for brevity I will leave that for another time.

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

If we were not to judge, then how would we know that we are giving something holy to dogs or pearls to swine?

There are many references in the Bible about judging and there are many more passages that are judgemental.  In John 7:24, Jesus says to Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  So we are being told how to judge here.  In Matthew 4:17, Jesus says Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.  Jesus was judging them as sinners needed to repent.

I imagine I could go on for pages citing example after example, but I think the point has been made.  Without context, a phrase could mean anything to anyone.  It is important to know the circumstances before true understanding can be achieved.