Do we have to be perfect before we can speak?
Some say that unless we are perfect, we cannot correct someone else. They cite Matthew 7:5:
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Is this true?
Of course it is true that we must be careful and examine our conscience carefully to be sure we aren't accusing someone of a fault that we ourselves are guilty of. St. John Chrysostom in his commentary on this passage says:
[Jesus'] injunction therefore in these words is as follows, that he who is chargeable with countless evil deeds, should not be a bitter censor of other men's offenses, and especially when these are trifling. He is not overthrowing reproof nor correction, but forbidding men to neglect their own faults, and exult over those of other men.
Examination of conscience is a must before speaking out. But the Lord "is not overthrowing reproof nor correction."
In fact, it's a spiritual work of mercy to admonish the sinner. When we must speak out, we must -- remaining silent because we think we are not perfect (as of course we are not) is pride, because we are putting our own self-assessment over duty.
Msgr. Pope has an excellent article on this subject. I recommend reading it -- it is amply supported by Scripture: Admonish the Sinner – A Reflection on the First Spiritual Work of Mercy