Today we will talk about bible verses about not judging. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. In this time together, we will open our hearts and minds to what Scripture says about judging others. We will learn how mercy, humility, and truth call us away from quick condemnations and toward compassion and patient correction. As we read, let us remember that God’s Word guides us to look at our own hearts first, to show grace, and to trust God with final judgment. Let us listen, learn, and let these bible verses about not judging shape our actions and relationships.
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
bible verses about not judging
Why we shouldn’t judge — bible verses about not judging
We often find ourselves ready to decide for others. As we explore bible verses about not judging, we remind ourselves that judgment is a serious thing. We are not saying we ignore wrongdoing or that all behavior is equal. Rather, we are learning to hold our hearts in check. When we rush to judge, we close our ears to stories we do not know and we risk damaging relationships we love. The Bible tells us repeatedly to step back and look at our own condition before casting stones at someone else. This is not an excuse for passivity; instead, it is a call to humility. When we practice restraint, we create space for healing. We become people who offer help, not harsh final sentences. We choose to be a community that restores and supports instead of shaming and isolating. In real life, this means we ask questions, listen, and seek understanding. We also remember God’s role as ultimate judge. Trusting God with the final verdict frees us to be patient and merciful now. In this way, these bible verses about not judging help us build a church and a world where accountability is paired with care. We will learn how mercy can lead to change and how love shapes the way we speak about others.
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.” – Matthew 7:2
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, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” – Romans 2:1
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11
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.” – Luke 6:37
Judging versus discerning — bible verses about not judging
We sometimes mix up judging and discernment when we talk about bible verses about not judging. Discernment is the gift of seeing truth and making wise choices. Judgment is often a harsh, final verdict we hand down without compassion. As a community, we want to grow in discernment so we can protect one another from harm and guide each other in love. Discernment involves asking God for wisdom, checking our motives, and being gentle in our words. It looks like brotherly correction that aims to restore, not to condemn. When we practice discernment, we balance truth and mercy. We do not excuse sin, but we also do not treat people as if they are only their worst choices. Scripture invites us to see the difference: we can evaluate actions and still care for the person. The key is humility — recognizing that we are not God and that we are all in need of grace. These bible verses about not judging teach us to steer away from quick condemnations and toward patient, prayerful clarity that helps rather than harms.
John 7:24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” – John 7:24
1 Corinthians 4:5
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” – 1 Corinthians 4:5
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Acts 10:34
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.'” – Acts 10:34
John 8:7
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'” – John 8:7
Mercy over judgment — bible verses about not judging
We are called to be people of mercy when we think about bible verses about not judging. Mercy does not ignore truth. Instead, mercy meets truth with kindness. When someone is in need or has fallen short, we can respond with compassion that helps them get back on their feet. Mercy is practical: it means we feed the hungry, forgive the repentant, and offer space for growth. The Bible consistently lifts mercy above a cold, rigid judgment. Mercy opens doors for change. When we choose mercy, we remind each other that God’s grace is bigger than our mistakes. This frees us from being quick to write someone off. Mercy also shapes how we correct one another; it keeps our words gentle and our motives pure. In our families, churches, and neighborhoods, choosing mercy means we prefer restoration to shame. These bible verses about not judging teach us to anchor our actions in compassion, trusting God to do the final judging while we practice kindness and patient care daily.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
James 2:13
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” – James 2:13
Matthew 9:13
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:13
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Remove the plank first — bible verses about not judging
We all know the image of the plank and the speck when we study bible verses about not judging. It is a strong picture that tells us to check ourselves before pointing out someone else’s fault. We do this not to ignore sin but to make sure our motives are right when we correct. When we take the plank out of our own eye, we grow honest and humble. Then we can see clearly enough to help someone else with their speck. This practice protects relationships because it prevents power plays and hypocrisy. We become helpers, not hypocrites. Practically, it means we confess our own faults, seek God’s correction, and ask others for help when we are blind. This keeps our hearts soft and our hands ready to help. The bible verses about not judging that use the plank and speck image remind us to lead with self-awareness and humility, so our attempts to help others come from a place of shared need and grace.
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?” – Matthew 7:3
Matthew 7:4
“How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:4
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.” – Matthew 7:5
Luke 6:42
“How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? 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.” – Luke 6:42
Psalm 139:23
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23
Humility and self-examination — bible verses about not judging
Humility is a central theme when we study bible verses about not judging. Humility helps us face our own weaknesses without making excuses. When we examine ourselves, we become honest about where we need God’s help. Self-examination is a spiritual practice; it keeps us from being harsh judges of others. As we look inward, we find places to repent and grow. This process also helps us lead others in love rather than condemnation. The Bible tells stories and gives commands that show humility is the path to real wisdom. We become people who accept correction, listen well, and admit our mistakes. In this way, our words and actions toward others are shaped by humility, not pride. The result is a community where accountability is wrapped in grace and where change is possible because people feel safe to be honest about struggles. These bible verses about not judging encourage us to keep our hands and hearts soft, ready to serve and confess when needed.
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.” – Romans 14:10
Romans 14:12
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” – Romans 14:12
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Psalm 139:24
“See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:24
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
God is the ultimate judge — bible verses about not judging
We find comfort and clarity in remembering that God is the ultimate judge when we read bible verses about not judging. Knowing that God will be the one to bring final justice allows us to step away from the burden of deciding eternal destiny for others. This truth frees us to act in love, without trying to play the role of final arbiter. When we trust God’s wisdom and timing, we are less likely to rush to harsh verdicts. Instead, we focus on loving and helping. Scripture portrays God as both just and merciful; He sees motives and hearts that we cannot. So, when we encounter sin or brokenness in others, we can pray for God’s judgment in His hands while offering compassionate help in ours. This balance—trusting God’s role as judge and our role as tender caregivers—is a central theme in bible verses about not judging.
Romans 2:16
“This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” – Romans 2:16
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10
Hebrews 10:30
“For we know the one who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.'” – Hebrews 10:30
Psalm 7:8
“Let the Lord judge the peoples. Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity.” – Psalm 7:8
Romans 14:4
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master they stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” – Romans 14:4
Restoring gently — bible verses about not judging
When we deal with people who have stumbled, bible verses about not judging urge us to restore gently. Restoration is not the same as ignoring sin. It is an act of love that seeks the best for the person who is hurting or lost. Gentle restoration includes humility, kindness, and a willingness to bear one another’s burdens. It means we come alongside someone privately and lovingly rather than shaming them publicly. Doing this well requires prayer, patience, and sometimes a sober recognition of our own limits. We must be careful that our desire to restore is not disguised pride. Instead, it should show that we are willing to risk our comfort for someone’s healing. The Bible gives practical steps for gentle restoration, and the heart of those steps is compassion. These bible verses about not judging shape a community where people can find their way back without the added weight of public condemnation.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
James 5:19
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back” – James 5:19
James 5:20
“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:20
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Avoiding hypocrisy — bible verses about not judging
Hypocrisy often shows up when we judge others while denying our own faults. The Bible warns us about this, and the warning appears in many bible verses about not judging. Hypocrisy is dangerous because it hurts people and hides truth. We can avoid it by being honest with ourselves and by seeking accountability. When we confess our own shortcomings, we are less likely to act as if we are morally superior. Humble honesty also helps our correction land as helpful rather than hurtful. We must also be willing to accept correction from others. When the church practices honest vulnerability, hypocrisy has less hold. Our goal is to be real with one another and with God, so our words build up instead of breaking down. The Bible’s warnings about hypocrisy teach us to stop performing righteousness and start living it authentically through love and humility.
Matthew 23:27
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” – Matthew 23:27
Matthew 23:28
“In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” – Matthew 23:28
Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11
Romans 2:21
“You, then, who teach someone else, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?” – Romans 2:21
Love and compassion instead of judgment — bible verses about not judging
Love is at the center of the Christian life, and it changes how we respond when people fail. When we consider bible verses about not judging, we see that love and compassion often replace harsh condemnation. Love sees people as image-bearers of God and treats them with dignity. Compassion moves us to help with practical needs and to offer forgiveness when appropriate. It also helps us to speak truth in love, not to wound. When we choose compassion over quick judgment, we show the world a different way to live. We build trust instead of walls. Love also helps us forgive and press toward reconciliation. Through love, we learn to bear one another’s burdens and to cover a multitude of sins with understanding. These bible verses about not judging guide us to let love determine our actions, so our communities are both honest and healing.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
1 Corinthians 13:5
“(Love) does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:5
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:39
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.” – Romans 14:13
Living out grace practically — bible verses about not judging
Grace is what we receive from God and what we are called to give others. When we live out grace, bible verses about not judging come alive in everyday choices. Grace looks like showing patience when someone is slow to change. It looks like helping without expecting repayment and forgiving without keeping score. Grace also means we correct in a way that points people toward life, not shame. Practically, this can be simple: offering a listening ear, an encouraging word, or food to someone in need. Grace means we trust God to work in a person’s heart and timeline rather than forcing quick fixes. When we choose grace over judgment, we reflect the heart of Jesus—who ate with sinners, healed the broken, and welcomed the lost. These bible verses about not judging remind us that grace is both gift and task: we receive it and we share it with others.
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4