The Bible speaks extensively about judging others, offering guidance on approaching this sensitive topic with wisdom, humility, and grace.
While we are called to discern between right and wrong, Scripture warns against harsh judgment and hypocrisy.
These verses illuminate the balance between accountability and compassion, reminding us of God’s ultimate authority as the true Judge.
Bible Verses About Judging Others
1. Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
2. Romans 2:1
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
3. James 4:11-12
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
4. Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
5. John 7:24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
6. Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
7. Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
8. 1 Corinthians 4:5
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”
9. Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
10. Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
11. 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
12. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
13. Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 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.”
14. Proverbs 31:9
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
15. James 2:13
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
16. Isaiah 11:3-4
“He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.”
17. Luke 18:11-14
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”
18. Ecclesiastes 12:14
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
19. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
20. Psalm 75:7
“It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”
21. Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
22. Zechariah 7:9
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'”
23. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
24. Romans 12:16-18
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
25. Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
26. Proverbs 3:30
“Do not accuse anyone for no reason—when they have done you no harm.”
27. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
28. Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
29. John 8:7
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'”
30. James 5:9
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
31. Isaiah 33:22
“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.”
32. Psalm 50:6
“And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.”
33. Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
34. Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
35. Romans 14:10
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Judging Others
The Bible teaches us to approach judgment with caution, humility, and love.
While discernment is necessary for addressing sin and fostering accountability, harsh or hypocritical judgment is condemned.
God alone is the ultimate Judge, and His justice is perfect and impartial.
Scripture encourages believers to prioritize mercy, forgiveness, and restoration in their interactions.
Verses like Matthew 7:1-2 and James 2:13 remind us of the importance of grace in relationships, reflecting God’s character in how we treat others.
True judgment seeks to build up rather than tear down, aligning with Christ’s mission of reconciliation.
Ultimately, the call to avoid judgment is rooted in love and humility.
By trusting God’s wisdom and timing, we can navigate conflicts and differences with gentleness and respect, fostering unity within the body of Christ.
Let us strive to judge rightly, guided by His Word and empowered by His Spirit, always aiming to reflect His love in all we do.