Judging others can often feel like second nature. We notice someone’s mistakes, and before we know it, we’ve formed opinions, even spoken harsh words. But how does God want us to handle situations where we see others doing wrong—or what seems wrong to us?
The Bible has a lot to say about judging others’ actions. Sometimes it calls us to be discerning, especially when protecting others or helping someone grow. But more often, Scripture warns us against hypocritical, harsh, or self-righteous judgment. These Bible verses about judging others actions offer both caution and instruction for how to lead with truth and grace.
Let’s dive into 35 verses that help us navigate this delicate but important topic with humility and love.
1. Matthew 7:1
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Explanation:
Jesus warns that when we judge others harshly, we set the standard by which we ourselves will be judged. It’s a call to humility.
2. 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:
Judging and condemning go hand in hand—but forgiveness is what God calls us to give and receive.
3. Romans 14:10
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?
Explanation:
Paul reminds believers that judgment belongs to God, not us, especially when it concerns fellow believers.
4. James 4:11-12
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:
James emphasizes that judgment belongs to God alone, encouraging us to be cautious with our opinions.
5. John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
Explanation:
Not all judgment is wrong, but we must judge righteously, not superficially.
6. Galatians 6:1
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 come with gentleness and a spirit of restoration, not condemnation.
7. Proverbs 21:2
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Explanation:
Only God fully understands people’s intentions. We may misjudge what we do not fully see.
8. 1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things people look at… the Lord looks at the heart.
Explanation:
We often judge by outward behavior, but God sees the heart’s true condition.
9. 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:
We often judge others for things we ourselves do. Paul calls us to examine ourselves first.
10. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
Do not pay attention to every word people say… for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Explanation:
This reminds us not to be overly critical, realizing we too have spoken or acted poorly at times.
11. 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’re warned that our judgment sets the bar for how we will be evaluated, by others and by God.
12. Matthew 7:3-5
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye… when there is a plank in your own eye?
Explanation:
Before correcting others, we must first look at and deal with our own faults.
13. Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance… as the Lord forgave you.
Explanation:
Forgiveness, not judgment, should be our first instinct—because that’s how God treats us.
14. Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.
Explanation:
Paul encourages the church to stop criticizing and instead support one another in faith.
15. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Explanation:
Harsh judgment often turns into slander. God calls us to live with gentleness.
16. Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
Explanation:
Rushing to judge someone without understanding the full story is foolish and harmful.
17. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Explanation:
Patience and humility help prevent judgment and build stronger, more loving relationships.
18. Proverbs 11:12
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
Explanation:
Mocking others shows a lack of wisdom. True understanding often involves staying silent.
19. Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Explanation:
Being judgmental often leads to conflict. God calls us to strive for peace.
20. 1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.
Explanation:
Paul reminds us that only God knows the right time and truth for judgment.
21. Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me.
Explanation:
Instead of judging others, we can ask God to examine our own hearts.
22. 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:
Mercy and humility should shape how we interact with others—even when we notice faults.
23. Luke 18:11-14
God, I thank you that I am not like other people…
Explanation:
This parable of the Pharisee warns against spiritual pride and judging others as less than ourselves.
24. James 2:13
Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.
Explanation:
Showing mercy is essential—because how we treat others influences how we are treated.
25. Zechariah 7:9
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
Explanation:
Judgment should always be balanced with mercy and compassion, not rooted in anger or pride.
26. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Explanation:
Jesus promises that those who are kind and forgiving will experience the same kindness from God.
27. Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.
Explanation:
Speaking harshly or critically tears others down. Our words should lift others up instead.
28. Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Explanation:
Judgmental words can deeply wound. Wisdom chooses words that bring healing, not harm.
29. Galatians 5:14
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Explanation:
Love should always guide our actions and responses to others—including how we view their choices.
30. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Explanation:
Judgment often stems from pride. Humility shifts our focus from fault-finding to grace-giving.
31. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind… gently instructing those who oppose.
Explanation:
Kindness and gentleness—not harshness—are what God wants from those who speak truth to others.
32. Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Explanation:
Even when correcting, our tone matters. Gentle words de-escalate; harsh ones inflame.
33. Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Explanation:
If our judgment harms others, we are not acting in love—and love is the highest calling.
34. Matthew 22:39
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Explanation:
Judging others harshly is inconsistent with loving them as we love ourselves.
35. 1 John 4:20
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.
Explanation:
If we claim to love God but constantly judge others without love, we contradict our own faith.
Let Love and Mercy Lead
Judging others’ actions is a complex topic—but the Bible calls us to humility, mercy, and love above all. These Bible verses about judging others actions remind us that we are all imperfect, and only God truly sees the whole picture.
Instead of rushing to judgment, we can learn to listen more, love more deeply, and extend the same grace that we ourselves need daily.
We’d love to hear from you:
Which of these verses stood out to you the most? Have you ever been judged unfairly—or learned a lesson about judging others? Share your thoughts, experiences, or favorite scriptures in the comments!