Genesis 38

And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.” So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.” So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again. ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭38:24-26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Judah used the services of a prostitute, as was common custom in this culture.  However, when he heard that Tamar was guilty of prostitution, he immediately sought severe punishment for her.  Many times we see the sins of others and judge them harshly, but we are blind to similar sins in our own lives.  It is because of this human tendency that Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:5: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  We should examine our lives and ask God to “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalms 139:23).  Once we admit our own sins and receive God’s forgiveness, it will make it easier for us to be patient and forgiving of the sins of others.