Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Matthew 7:4. It's often quoted and can be a bit tricky, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. The Core of the Verse: This verse is about kindness, compassion, and how to treat others. It essentially says: “Don't criticize or try to ruin someone else’s life with your words.” Let’s unpack it further: “Or how wilt thou say…” : This is a gentle question, not an accusation. It’s asking you to think carefully about what you’re going to say. “…to thy brother…” : This refers to someone you care about – a friend, family member, or even a stranger. "...Let me pull out the mote out of thine own eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye?” : This is the crucial part! “Pull out the mote out of thine own eye” : This means to help someone – to comfort them or ease their suffering. It’s about offering support, understanding, and kindness. “…a beam [is] in thine own eye?” : This is a really powerful image. A “beam” is like a tiny, focused light. The verse suggests that your words, your thoughts, or your actions can have a significant impact – they can be like a beam of light that shines within someone's heart and cause harm. It implies that criticizing someone's character, flaws, or mistakes can be damaging. What does this mean practically? The verse encourages us to: Be kind: Treat others with respect, empathy, and understanding. Don’t criticize: Refrain from putting down or tearing down others. Focus on their character: Instead of focusing on their flaws, try to understand them and offer support based on who they are , not what they do . Why is this a significant verse? Jesus uses this image to teach us about the importance of our own attitude and behavior. It's a reminder that we are responsible for the way we treat others, because our words have power. It’s a call to be a light in the world, promoting goodness and compassion. In short: This verse is a powerful warning against negativity and encourages us to focus on building people up instead of tearing them down. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss this verse in more detail (perhaps from a specific perspective)?