See Matthew 7:1-9.

Judge not - See on Matthew 7:1 (note). "How great is the goodness of God, in being so willing to put our judgment into our own hands as to engage himself not to enter into judgment with us, provided we do not usurp the right which belongs solely to him in reference to others!"

Condemn not - "Mercy will ever incline us not to condemn those unmercifully whose faults are certain and visible; to lessen, conceal, and excuse them as much as we can without prejudice to truth and justice; and to be far from aggravating, divulging, or even desiring them to be punished."

Forgive - The mercy and compassion which God recommends extend to the forgiving of all the injuries we have received, or can receive. To imitate in this the mercy of God is not a mere counsel; since it is proposed as a necessary mean, in order to receive mercy. What man has to forgive in man is almost nothing: man's debt to God is infinite. And who acts in this matter as if he wished to receive mercy at the hand of God! The spirit of revenge is equally destitute of faith and reason.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged,.... See Gill on Matthew 7:1.

Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; censure not men's persons, and judge not their state, or adjudge them to condemnation, for every offence in practice, or because they differ in principle, lest you should be treated in like manner by others; and especially, lest you should fall under the righteous censure, judgment, and condemnation of God:

forgive; offences and trespasses committed against you, bear with, and pass by injuries and affronts:

and ye shall be forgiven; of God; See Gill on Matthew 6:14.

Forgive (ἀπολύετε)

Lit., release. So Rev., Christ exhorts to the opposite of what he has just forbidden: "do not condemn, but release." Compare Luke 22:68; Luke 23:16, Luke 23:17.

{6} Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: {i} forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

(6) Brotherly judgments must not proceed from curiosity nor rudeness nor malice, but they must be just, moderate and loving.

(i) He does not speak here of civil judgments, and therefore by the word forgive is meant that good nature which the Christians use in patiently suffering and pardoning wrongs.

6:37 Judge not. See notes on Mt 7:1-2.

6:37 Mt 7:1.

37, 38. See on [1588]Mt 7:1, 2; but this is much fuller and more graphic.

6:37-49 All these sayings Christ often used; it was easy to apply them. We ought to be very careful when we blame others; for we need allowance ourselves. If we are of a giving and a forgiving spirit, we shall ourselves reap the benefit. Though full and exact returns are made in another world, not in this world, yet Providence does what should encourage us in doing good. Those who follow the multitude to do evil, follow in the broad way that leads to destruction. The tree is known by its fruits; may the word of Christ be so grafted in our hearts, that we may be fruitful in every good word and work. And what the mouth commonly speaks, generally agrees with what is most in the heart. Those only make sure work for their souls and eternity, and take the course that will profit in a trying time, who think, speak, and act according to the words of Christ. Those who take pains in religion, found their hope upon Christ, who is the Rock of Ages, and other foundation can no man lay. In death and judgment they are safe, being kept by the power of Christ through faith unto salvation, and they shall never perish.