It’s easy to judge others, but the Bible reminds us that this is something we should be careful about. Scripture encourages us to practice kindness, mercy, and understanding instead of jumping to conclusions or criticizing others. If you’re looking for guidance on how to approach judgment, these Bible verses about judging others provide helpful insights to live with grace and compassion.
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.”
Jesus warns that the way we judge others will be reflected back on us, encouraging mercy and humility.
2. 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?”
James reminds us that God is the ultimate Judge, and we should avoid judging others.
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.”
Paul warns against judging others, as we are often guilty of the same faults.
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.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and mercy over judgment.
5. John 7:24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Jesus teaches that if we must judge, it should be based on truth and righteousness, not on outward appearances.
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.”
Paul urges believers to avoid judging others, as we are all accountable to God.
7. 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.”
Jesus encourages self-examination before we attempt to correct others, highlighting our own faults.
8. 1 Corinthians 4:5
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.”
Paul advises patience in judgment, as only God knows the full story and will bring everything to light in time.
9. James 2:13
“Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James reminds us that mercy is greater than judgment and we are called to show compassion over criticism.
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.”
Paul urges believers to avoid judgment and instead focus on encouraging and building one another up.
11. Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
This verse calls for fairness in judgment, warning against bias and partiality.
12. 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.”
Jesus reminds us that we will be held accountable for our words, encouraging thoughtful and careful speech.
13. 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.”
This passage refers to God’s righteous judgment, not based on appearances but on true justice.
14. Proverbs 31:9
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This verse encourages fair judgment, especially when defending those who are vulnerable or oppressed.
15. Luke 6:41-42
“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?”
Jesus warns against focusing on the faults of others while ignoring our own shortcomings.
16. Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Paul encourages humility and unity, reminding us that judgment is often born from pride.
17. Job 34:12
“It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.”
This verse reminds us that God’s judgment is always just and righteous, unlike human judgment.
18. Zechariah 7:9
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”
God calls His people to administer justice with mercy and compassion, not harsh judgment.
19. 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?”
Paul warns against hypocrisy in judgment, pointing out that we often judge others for the very things we are guilty of.
20. Matthew 23:23
“But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on outward religious practices while neglecting justice and mercy.
prayer for someone struggling with judging others
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You, lifting up [Name] who is struggling with judging others. Your Word in Matthew 7:5 reminds us to first remove the plank from our own eye before we attempt to remove the speck from someone else’s. Lord, help [Name] to look inwardly, recognizing their own flaws and weaknesses before passing judgment on others.
Give them a heart of compassion and understanding. Replace judgment with love, and pride with humility. Teach them to approach others with grace, as You do, and to always seek to build others up rather than criticize. May Your Spirit guide them toward patience and mercy, following Your example.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.
