Plank Eye

Jesus continues with many more illustrations or parables that speak to our hearts about how we view and treat others.  


^{Luke 6:42} Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:42, New King James Version)

First thing I want to point out is that the illustration identifies a relationship between one person and another as a brother.  This could be a blood relationship or a fellow believer.  However I think what is important here is the illustration is judgement on someone that is close to you.  The use of the extreme "speck" and "plank" is referred to as hyperbole.  Even as an illustration it is difficult to picture someone walking around with a plank in their eye.


Yet Jesus wants to be clear we need to examine our own selves before jumping on the faults of those around us. This isn't just a sore of guideline by Jesus.  He has harsh words for those who examine the speck of sin (disobedience to God's commands) and yet have a plank of sin in their own lives.  Who are these people?  Hypocrites!!  They are so consumed with finding fault in others they miss the arrogance and self-important attitude in themselves.

So what is the remedy?  Do nothing?  NO!!  Jesus says remove the plank.  Work on your relationship with God.  Seek God's wisdom.  A restored relationship to God where you confess your sins (remove the plank) and pray for your brother.  In this way you will adopt a loving and compassionate approach to correcting your brother.  I might be stretching the illustration to far, but if I am right with God my eyes will be able to see clearly the speck in my brothers eye and counsel them on a right way of restoring their relationship to God.