Hypocrite, first remove the beam from your own eye, and then you will see how to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
These words are a call to self-examination and spiritual cleansing, reminding us that a person cannot help or correct another if he himself has not been cleansed from his own sins. Christ addresses him sternly with the word “hypocrite,” showing that without inner change, outward counsel becomes empty and useless. A person must first recognize his own mistakes, admit his shortcomings, and cleanse his heart, so that he may see clearly and help others with love. These words do not forbid brotherly counsel, but teach that it has value only when it flows from a pure and humble heart.