Judging others is something many people wrestle with—both giving and receiving judgment. At times, we may find ourselves jumping to conclusions, making assumptions, or criticizing others based on appearance, actions, or beliefs.
But what does God say about judging others? Is it ever appropriate? And how do we approach others with grace and truth?
The Bible offers clear wisdom on this issue. It teaches us to be cautious in our judgments, to avoid hypocrisy, and to always reflect on our own hearts first. Through these verses from the Bible about judging others, we learn that while discernment is important, judgment without love or understanding can lead to harm and division.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches and how we can apply these truths in a way that honors God and others.
35 Bible Verses About Judging Others
1. Matthew 7:1
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Explanation: Jesus warns that if we judge others harshly, the same standard will be applied to us. It’s a call for 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: This verse reminds us that how we treat others—especially in judgment—will come back to us.
3. Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else…
Explanation: Paul points out that we often judge others for the same things we do ourselves. This reveals our hypocrisy.
4. James 4:11-12
Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.
Explanation: When we judge others, we step into a place that belongs to God alone—the true Judge.
5. John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.
Explanation: Jesus isn’t saying not to judge at all, but to judge with fairness and insight, not shallow assumptions.
6. Galatians 6:1
If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
Explanation: Correction should be done with love and care, not condemnation.
7. Proverbs 21:2
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Explanation: We can misjudge others because we don’t see the heart—only God truly knows a person’s intentions.
8. 1 Corinthians 4:5
Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes…
Explanation: Final judgment belongs to God. We should be careful not to take that role prematurely.
9. Romans 14:10
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?
Explanation: This verse challenges us to examine why we judge others and encourages respect instead.
10. Proverbs 11:9
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Explanation: Gossip and criticism are forms of judgment that cause harm. Righteousness chooses understanding over destruction.
11. Matthew 7:3-5
Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye…?
Explanation: Before correcting someone else, we must deal with our own flaws. Jesus calls this self-examination.
12. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Explanation: Instead of judging, we are called to be gentle and kind in all our interactions.
13. 1 Samuel 16:7
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Explanation: Judgments based on appearances are often flawed. Only God sees what’s truly inside.
14. Ecclesiastes 7:20-22
Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous… do not take to heart all the things people say…
Explanation: None of us are perfect, so we must be slow to judge and quick to extend grace.
15. Romans 14:4
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.
Explanation: Each person answers to God. Our job isn’t to control or judge, but to love.
16. Isaiah 11:3
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears.
Explanation: God models perfect, fair judgment. We should strive to reflect His fairness and patience.
17. Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance…
Explanation: Forgiveness breaks the cycle of judgment and creates unity.
18. 1 Peter 4:8
Love covers over a multitude of sins.
Explanation: Love does not ignore wrong but seeks to redeem and restore—not condemn.
19. Micah 6:8
…what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly…
Explanation: God values justice, but also mercy and humility—not harsh judgment.
20. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Explanation: Mercy softens judgment and reflects God’s heart.
21. James 2:13
Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful…
Explanation: When we show no mercy, we invite the same treatment from others—and from God.
22. Leviticus 19:15
Do not pervert justice… but judge your neighbor fairly.
Explanation: If we must make judgments, they must be rooted in fairness and truth—not personal bias.
23. Psalm 82:3
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Explanation: God’s kind of judgment always sides with justice and compassion for the vulnerable.
24. Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else…
Explanation: Jesus warned against self-righteousness and the tendency to elevate ourselves over others.
25. 2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith…
Explanation: Instead of judging others, we’re told to regularly examine our own lives.
26. Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
Explanation: Quick judgments without understanding are foolish. Listen first.
27. Zechariah 7:9
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
Explanation: Justice must be balanced with mercy and compassion.
28. Galatians 5:14
The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Explanation: Love is the standard for all our actions—including how we respond to others’ faults.
29. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone…
Explanation: Even when correcting, we are called to be gentle, kind, and patient.
30. Matthew 23:28
On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy…
Explanation: Jesus calls out fake holiness. True righteousness starts from the heart.
31. Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…
Explanation: Judging others often stems from pride. Paul reminds us to stay humble.
32. Proverbs 27:5-6
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted…
Explanation: Correction given in love is not judgment—it’s care. True friends speak truth kindly.
33. 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 model for gentle, private correction that seeks restoration, not shame.
34. Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…
Explanation: Our words matter. Judgmental talk tears others down. Speak to build others up.
35. Psalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight…
Explanation: Let our words and thoughts reflect God’s heart—not harsh judgment.
Final Thoughts: Judge Less, Love More
These Verses from the Bible about judging others make it clear: we’re not called to live in criticism, but in compassion. God wants us to be wise, yes—but never harsh. He calls us to lead with love, show mercy, and walk humbly.
Before we point fingers, let’s pause and look at our own hearts. Let’s ask God for wisdom and patience. And let’s remember—judgment belongs to Him, but love is ours to give.
Which verse spoke most to you today? How have you experienced or handled judgment—either giving or receiving? Share your story or favorite Scripture in the comments below. Let’s grow together in grace and truth.