The Spanish philosopher Baltasar Gracián once wrote, “There are some who want to get taller by cutting off the heads of others.” His words capture a truth we all recognize: sometimes our sense of worth is built not on our own growth, but on tearing others down.
Scripture reminds us again and again of this age-old habit of judgment and slander:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” — Matthew 7:1–2
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.” — James 4:11
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:3
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” — Romans 2:1
When I look at others and focus on their flaws, it often isn’t really about them—it’s about me. My ego finds comfort in pointing out their mistakes, because it helps me avoid facing my own. Gossip, criticism, and judgment once felt like small victories, but in reality, they were chains I carried.
The faults I notice in others often mirror my own. God uses the people around me like a mirror—not to condemn, but to invite me into compassion, humility, and change. Yet the ego, and the enemy of our souls, delights when we cut others down, because it blinds us from seeing who we truly are in Christ.
But Jesus calls us to a different way: to release judgment, to measure with mercy, and to forgive as freely as we have been forgiven.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to feel taller by cutting others down. Help me to see people through Your eyes, not through the lens of my ego. Teach me to be slow to judge and quick to love. May my words build up, not tear down, and may my heart reflect Your grace in every interaction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
