Often the verse that is used to justify remaining silent or requiring others to remain silent, when someone is sinning is Matthew 7:5 ""You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Our culture has used this verse to intimidate others into silence when they are attempting to correct a believer about their sin. The verse was a warning to be sure you are not walking sinfully, while correcting others for their sin or even the same sin that we are doing.
God clearly shows us in His Word that we are to interact continually with one another for spiritual growth. One scripture taken out of context is hardly enough to prove a point. When God spoke of taking the plank out of our own eyes He never meant that we should never correct anyone else. God meant that we should make sure we are not doing the same thing that we are rebuking someone else for doing or sinning in others ways.
Proverbs 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."
Romans 15:14 "And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another."
Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Luke 17:3 ""Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."
1 Thessalonians 5:14 "We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone."
2 Timothy 4:2 "2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with [a]great patience and instruction."
It is important that our view of God and His principles is not based on one verse taken out of context. We must base our beliefs on the whole of the Bible in context.
