Judging others is something most of us struggle with at some point. Whether it’s silently forming opinions about someone’s lifestyle or openly criticizing their choices, judgment can easily slip into our everyday interactions.
But what does the Bible actually say about judging?
Scripture doesn’t just tell us whether judging is right or wrong—it teaches us how to do it with wisdom, humility, and love. The Bible reminds us that while we are called to discern truth, we are not to condemn others harshly or hypocritically. True judgment should reflect God’s justice and mercy, not human pride.
In this blog post, you’ll find 35 Bible verses about judging. Each verse includes a short explanation to help you understand the context and how it applies to your life.
These verses will encourage you to evaluate yourself honestly, treat others with compassion, and trust God as the ultimate Judge.
1. Matthew 7:1
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Explanation:
Jesus warns that judging others brings judgment upon ourselves. He invites us to reflect on our own hearts before pointing fingers.
2. Matthew 7:2
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Explanation:
We are held to the same standard we use to judge others. This reminds us to show grace and fairness.
3. 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.
Explanation:
Jesus connects judgment with forgiveness, encouraging mercy over condemnation.
4. John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
Explanation:
This verse teaches that judgment should be based on truth, not surface-level assumptions.
5. 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.
Explanation:
Paul reminds us that we’re often guilty of the same things we judge others for. This should lead to humility, not criticism.
6. 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.
Explanation:
This verse redirects our focus from judging others to preparing our own hearts for God’s judgment.
7. James 4:12
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?
Explanation:
God alone has the right to judge. We are called to love, not condemn.
8. 1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.
Explanation:
We may not see the whole picture. Paul reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to God.
9. Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
Explanation:
Correction should be done in love and gentleness, not harsh judgment.
10. Proverbs 21:2
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Explanation:
We can’t always judge intentions correctly. Only God truly knows what’s in a person’s heart.
11. Proverbs 31:9
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Explanation:
There is a place for righteous judgment—especially when standing up for justice and the vulnerable.
12. Isaiah 11:3-4
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes… but with righteousness he will judge the needy.
Explanation:
This prophecy about the Messiah shows that God’s judgment is fair, wise, and full of justice.
13. Micah 6:8
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Explanation:
Rather than judging, we’re called to live justly and walk in humility.
14. 1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things people look at… the Lord looks at the heart.
Explanation:
God’s judgment goes deeper than appearance—something we often fail to consider.
15. Ecclesiastes 3:17
God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked.
Explanation:
God is the final Judge over all. We can trust Him to deal with justice fairly in the end.
16. Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Explanation:
Our own words will be judged one day. This reminds us to be slow to speak and quick to show grace.
17. Romans 14:4
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.
Explanation:
We don’t have authority over another person’s spiritual walk—only God does.
18. Colossians 2:16
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival.
Explanation:
Paul addresses legalism, reminding us not to judge others over personal or cultural convictions.
19. 1 Corinthians 5:12
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
Explanation:
There is a difference between discerning within the church and judging those outside of it. Paul calls for accountability within the faith community.
20. Ezekiel 34:17
I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.
Explanation:
God promises to separate right from wrong. We can trust Him to sort out justice.
21. Job 34:12
It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
Explanation:
God’s judgments are always just and perfect—even when we don’t understand them.
22. John 5:22
Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.
Explanation:
Jesus is the righteous Judge. All final decisions about our lives and hearts are in His hands.
23. John 8:7
Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.
Explanation:
This powerful moment with the woman caught in adultery reminds us to examine ourselves before condemning others.
24. Romans 2:3
So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
Explanation:
Hypocrisy is a common trap. Paul calls us to align our actions with our words.
25. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Explanation:
Rather than judging harshly, we’re called to speak with kindness and live with peace.
26. Matthew 18:15
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.
Explanation:
Jesus gives a loving, respectful way to handle sin—not with public shame but private correction.
27. James 2:13
Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Explanation:
God values mercy. Showing compassion is more important than proving we’re right.
28. Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.
Explanation:
True judgment should be impartial and fair, not swayed by status or favoritism.
29. Zechariah 7:9
This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’
Explanation:
God’s judgment is rooted in mercy and justice, and ours should be too.
30. Deuteronomy 16:19
Do not pervert justice or show partiality.
Explanation:
Fairness is key to any kind of righteous judgment. Bias has no place in God’s way.
31. Psalm 82:3
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Explanation:
Instead of judging harshly, we are called to protect and uplift the vulnerable.
32. James 1:19
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Explanation:
Being quick to judge often leads to anger and division. Listening helps us respond with grace.
33. Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.
Explanation:
Jumping to judgment without understanding is foolish. Take time to listen before deciding.
34. Psalm 96:13
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Explanation:
God’s judgment is not only just, but also faithful. We can trust His timing and ways.
35. Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened… The dead were judged according to what they had done.
Explanation:
At the end of time, God’s judgment will be final and fair. Every life will be evaluated in His truth.
Final Thoughts: Judging with Wisdom, Grace, and Humility
Judging isn’t always wrong—but the Bible teaches us to approach it with caution, humility, and love. We are called to discern truth, help others grow, and protect justice without falling into pride or hypocrisy. Most importantly, we must always remember that God is the true Judge, and His ways are perfect.
How has God spoken to you through these verses about judging?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your favorite Scriptures, personal insights, or questions in the comments below—and let’s grow together in wisdom and grace.