Judgment is a frequent theme in the Bible, often spoken of in the context of warning people against passing judgment on others. As human beings, it’s easy to fall into the habit of judging others based on outward appearances, actions, or assumptions. However, the Bible offers numerous teachings that guide us to refrain from judgment, reminding us that judgment belongs to God alone. In this article, we will explore 20 Bible verses that encourage us to refrain from judgment and embrace empathy, understanding, and forgiveness.
20 Bible Verses About Not Judging
1. Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)
“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.”
This passage from the Sermon on the Mount is one of the most direct teachings about judgment. It reminds us that the way we judge others will directly affect how we are judged, both by God and others. It calls for humility and grace in our assessments of others.
2. Luke 6:37 (NIV)
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Here, Jesus encourages us to avoid judgment and condemnation. He presents a divine principle: we should forgive others as we wish to be forgiven, and we should refrain from judgment if we desire the same mercy for ourselves.
3. John 8:7 (NIV)
“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.’”
In this famous encounter with the woman caught in adultery, Jesus challenges the crowd’s willingness to condemn her. He points out that only those without sin are qualified to judge. This verse reminds us of the importance of self-reflection before pointing fingers at others.
4. Romans 2:1 (NIV)
“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.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us that judging others can often lead to self-condemnation because we are all prone to similar mistakes and flaws. It encourages self-awareness and humility when we approach the faults of others.
5. James 4:11-12 (NIV)
“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. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 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 reinforces the point that judgment belongs to God alone. To judge others is to take on a role that belongs only to God, and we should humble ourselves instead of making ourselves the judge of others.
6. Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
“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? 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? 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 uses this powerful metaphor to explain how often we focus on the minor flaws of others while ignoring our own significant shortcomings. Before passing judgment, we should examine our own lives and correct our own faults.
7. Romans 14:10-13 (NIV)
“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. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.”
This verse reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to God. We are called to avoid judging one another because we will all stand before God to give an account of our actions.
8. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
God’s perspective is different from ours. While humans judge by outward appearances, God sees the heart. This verse teaches us to refrain from making judgments based solely on external factors and to seek a deeper understanding of others.
9. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of listening to his teachings and living them out. We are reminded that we are all vulnerable to failure, and before judging others, we must focus on building our own lives on a strong foundation of truth.
10. Proverbs 21:2 (NIV)
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
Even when we feel justified in our judgments, the Bible reminds us that God’s understanding of our hearts is more complete and accurate than our own. We are urged to refrain from judgment because God alone knows the full context.
11. Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
“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.”
Rather than judging others for their wrongdoings, we are called to gently restore them. This passage highlights the importance of grace, humility, and love when dealing with others’ mistakes.
12. Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’”
This parable teaches the danger of self-righteousness and judgment. The tax collector, who humbly acknowledges his flaws, is justified, while the Pharisee’s self-exaltation leads to condemnation.
13. Romans 14:4 (NIV)
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
This passage emphasizes that judgment over others’ actions belongs to their Master—God. Each person will be held accountable to God, not to us, for their actions.
14. Matthew 7:15-20 (NIV)
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
While this passage warns about discerning false prophets, it also illustrates the broader principle of judgment: we are called to judge by actions (fruit) rather than appearances, and this judgment should be based on discernment rather than condemnation.
15. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)
“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. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”
This passage encourages us to wait for God’s judgment rather than making premature judgments ourselves. God will reveal the truth in His perfect timing.
16. John 7:24 (NIV)
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
This verse highlights the importance of fair and just judgment. We should not rely on external impressions alone but should seek to judge righteously and wisely.
17. Romans 14:1 (NIV)
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
This passage calls for tolerance and acceptance of those with differing views, urging believers to avoid judgment over non-essential matters of faith.
18. Matthew 23:23-24 (NIV)
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
This passage critiques the Pharisees’ focus on minor issues while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and mercy. It serves as a reminder to avoid superficial judgments while overlooking the deeper, more important qualities of righteousness.
19. Proverbs 24:23 (NIV)
“These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.”
This verse reminds us that fairness is a key principle in judgment. We should avoid showing favoritism and make decisions based on righteousness, not bias.
20. Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
This verse encapsulates the core message of not judging others: mercy. Those who show mercy to others, withholding judgment and condemnation, will themselves receive mercy from God.
Conclusion
The Bible consistently teaches us that judgment is God’s domain, and we should refrain from harshly judging others. Instead, we are called to extend grace, mercy, and understanding. By embracing these principles, we reflect God’s love and foster a more compassionate and forgiving world. As we strive to live according to these teachings, we are reminded that we, too, will stand before God’s judgment, and His mercy and grace are what we ultimately rely upon.
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