1. Take the plank out of your own eye (1-5)

Only God is the righteous judge. We are always blinded by our own sinful natures; so Jesus says, 'Don't judge others.' When we study the Bible, we begin to learn the difference between right and wrong. Our first tendency is to apply God's standards to others and become very critical of their failures. But God's word teaches us what sin is so that we ourselves can repent and be forgiven and cleansed by him. The speck in my brother's eye may need removing, but I can't see how to help him until the plank has been removed from my own eye.

2. Don't give dogs what is sacred (6)

This seems almost a contradiction to Jesus' admonition not to judge others. (Who is a dog or a pig?) But it is not a contradiction--it is a counterweight. We need spiritual discernment so that we can give our love and lives to God and to others in ways that will produce fruit for God.

Application: Lord, cleanse me of my critical spirit. Help me to be strict with myself and generous toward others.
One Word: Don't judge; repent