Judging others is something we all encounter—whether we’re the ones doing it or the ones feeling it. Sometimes it’s subtle, other times it’s harsh. It can stem from pride, hurt, or misunderstanding. But Scripture encourages us to pause before pointing fingers. While God calls us to discern right from wrong, He also reminds us to lead with grace, humility, and self-awareness.
This post explores Bible verses about judging others, helping us understand what kind of judgment is warned against, and how we can respond with love and truth. These 35 verses offer guidance, correction, and peace when it comes to how we treat and view others.
1. Matthew 7:1
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Explanation: Jesus warns us not to rush into judgment, because the same standard will be applied to us.
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: The way we judge others reflects back on us. We should be careful and fair, just as we’d hope others are toward us.
3. 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 judging others while ignoring our own faults is hypocrisy.
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.
Explanation: This verse links judgment with mercy. Forgiveness is better than condemnation.
5. James 4:11
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or judges them speaks against the law…
Explanation: Speaking poorly about others is a form of judgment and shows a lack of humility.
6. 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 perfectly. We are called to leave ultimate judgment in His hands.
7. John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
Explanation: Not all judgment is wrong, but it must be done with truth, fairness, and not based on outward looks.
8. 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: When correction is needed, it should be done gently and in love—not through harsh judgment.
9. Proverbs 21:2
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Explanation: Only God sees the true motives of a person’s heart. We can’t fully know someone else’s reasons.
10. Romans 14:10
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?
Explanation: In matters of personal conviction, Paul urges believers to avoid judging one another.
11. Romans 14:12-13
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.
Explanation: Instead of judging others, we’re to focus on our own lives, knowing we’re accountable to God.
12. 1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes…
Explanation: Final judgment belongs to God, who sees the hidden things we cannot.
13. Matthew 7:3
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?
Explanation: Jesus calls out hypocrisy in judgment—focusing on others’ faults while ignoring our own.
14. 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.
Explanation: We must examine ourselves first before we can help others with their faults.
15. Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful…
Explanation: Speaking judgmentally can tear down others. God calls us to build up instead.
16. Colossians 3:12-13
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Explanation: Compassion and forgiveness should replace harsh judgment in our hearts.
17. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle…
Explanation: Gentleness and respect should characterize how we talk about and to others.
18. Proverbs 11:9
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Explanation: Words rooted in judgment can destroy others. Knowledge and wisdom avoid such harm.
19. Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.
Explanation: Jumping to conclusions without understanding is a common form of wrongful judgment.
20. 1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Explanation: We often judge based on what we see, but God sees the whole person.
21. Leviticus 19:15
Do not pervert justice… do not show partiality… judge your neighbor fairly.
Explanation: God’s people are called to be just and fair—not biased or quick to condemn.
22. Zechariah 7:9
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
Explanation: Justice must be balanced with mercy, not mixed with self-righteous judgment.
23. Micah 6:8
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Explanation: True judgment includes humility and mercy, not arrogance.
24. Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…
Explanation: Pride often fuels judgment. Humility helps us extend grace.
25. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind… it keeps no record of wrongs.
Explanation: Love should guide our view of others, not a list of their faults.
26. Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Explanation: Instead of judging, we should support others in their struggles.
27. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…
Explanation: Correcting others is sometimes needed, but it must be done gently and kindly.
28. James 2:1
Believers… must not show favoritism.
Explanation: Partial judgment based on status or appearance is wrong in God’s eyes.
29. James 2:13
Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Explanation: Mercy is more powerful than judgment. If we want mercy, we must show it.
30. 1 John 4:20
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.
Explanation: Hatred often hides behind judgment. True love reflects God’s nature.
31. Proverbs 14:21
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
Explanation: Looking down on others is sinful. Kindness reflects God’s heart.
32. Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Explanation: Judging often causes harm. Love builds up and fulfills God’s will.
33. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition… Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Explanation: Valuing others eliminates the need to judge them.
34. Galatians 5:14
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Explanation: Love is the highest command and leaves no room for judgmental attitudes.
35. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Explanation: Mercy leads to blessing. Judging others harshly can keep us from receiving mercy ourselves.
Final Thoughts: Let Mercy Lead, Not Judgment
Judging others is something we’re all tempted to do, but the Bible clearly calls us to a higher way. These Bible verses about judging others remind us that God desires humility, love, and mercy over criticism. When we focus on our own growth, offer forgiveness freely, and see others through God’s eyes, we reflect His heart.
How about you? Which verse spoke to your heart today? Do you have a story or lesson about judgment and grace? Share your thoughts or favorite Scriptures in the comments. Let’s build each other up in love and truth.