What does the Bible say about judging others?
The question of judging others often sparks confusion, especially when people quote verses like “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) without considering the full context. But what does the Bible really say about judgment, discernment, and how believers should respond to sin in others?
The Bible teaches that while some kinds of judgment are condemned—particularly hypocritical and self-righteous judgment—other forms are necessary and even commanded. Throughout Scripture, God's people are called to be discerning, especially when it comes to truth, doctrine, and unrepentant sin.
In this article, we will explore five key truths about judging others in the Bible, distinguishing biblical judgment from worldly condemnation and seeing how this relates to the Gospel, the church, and the final judgment to come.
1. Does the Bible Forbid All Forms of Judging Others?
No, the Bible does not categorically forbid all judgment. Instead, it warns against hasty, hypocritical, and self-righteous judgment. Jesus' words in Matthew 7:1 are often quoted in isolation—“Judge not, that you be not judged”—but the surrounding verses clarify the meaning: “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5).
The Bible condemns judgment that flows from pride or blindness to one’s own sin. But it also makes room for loving correction and discernment. Paul writes in Romans 2:1, “You have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself.” The issue here is not judgment itself, but doing so without humility or self-awareness.
Ultimately, God alone is the perfect judge. Only He sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and Scripture consistently reminds us that our own evaluations fall short of His omniscient gaze.
2. How Should Christians Judge Inside the Church?
According to the Bible, Christians are called to exercise wise and loving judgment within the church. This includes identifying unrepentant sin and preserving the integrity of the body of Christ.
Paul offers clear instruction in 1 Corinthians 5:12–13: “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside.” In this case, Paul rebukes the church for tolerating serious sin and urges them to take disciplinary action.
In contrast to how we are to treat those outside the church, believers are explicitly commanded to evaluate and, if needed, confront sinful behavior within the church community—not in a spirit of condemnation, but in hope of restoration (Galatians 6:1).
The goal of judgment inside the church is not exclusion but transformation. It protects the holiness of the church and models the Gospel call to repentance.
3. What Kind of Judgment Is Prohibited in the Bible?
The Bible clearly prohibits certain kinds of judgment:
Hypocritical judgment (Matthew 7:1–5): Condemning others for sins we ourselves commit.
Judging motives (1 Corinthians 4:3–5): Paul admits he cannot even judge his own heart—only the Lord can. This cautions believers against assuming knowledge of others' intentions.
Self-righteous judgment (Luke 18:9–14): Jesus warns against the prideful Pharisee who looks down on others while boasting in his own virtue.
Scripture consistently calls for humility. James 4:12 asks, “Who are you to judge your neighbor?” when warning against slander and superiority. All humans fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and those who judge others without grace forget their own dependence on mercy.
4. Is There a Difference Between Judging Outsiders and Judging the Church?
Yes. The Bible makes a critical distinction between judging those inside the church and those outside.
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul tells believers not to pass judgment on unbelievers. Their behavior may reflect rebellion or brokenness, but they are not yet held to the standards of the covenant community. “God judges those outside,” Paul says. This means Christians should extend open arms to those far from Christ, welcoming them to hear the Gospel “as they are,” just as Jesus did.
However, once someone enters the church, their life should reflect Christ. Church members are called to live in repentance, submission, and sanctification. Within this covenant context, the church can and should evaluate behavior—not to condemn, but to encourage repentance and growth.
This distinction reinforces the biblical idea that judgment is ultimately about relationship. God disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6), and the church is invited to reflect that loving discipline in community life.
5. How Does Judging Others Relate to the Gospel and Final Judgment?
The topic of judging others cannot be fully understood without looking toward the Gospel and the final judgment of Christ.
Jesus took upon Himself the judgment we deserved. At the cross, the wrath of God fell on the innocent Son so that the guilty could be justified (Romans 3:21–26). This radically transforms how we approach others: not as those better than them, but as those who have received undeserved mercy.
At the same time, Scripture teaches that judgment is coming. Christ will return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). In this light, the church's task is not to condemn the world, but to bear witness to the coming Kingdom and call all people to repentance.
We are not the final judge, but we point toward the One who is. In this sense, judging others is not about superiority—it’s about stewardship. We guard the truth, we restore the fallen, and we extend grace to the outsider—all because we have been judged righteous in Christ.
Conclusion: Judging Others with Humility, Wisdom, and Hope
So what does the Bible say about judging others?
It warns against hypocrisy, pride, and attempting to judge the heart.
It affirms the need for discernment, especially in guarding the church from sin and false teaching.
It teaches us to welcome outsiders, not condemning them for their sin, but inviting them to encounter grace.
It reminds us that judgment belongs to God, and our role is to live with humble obedience as we await the return of Christ.
In the end, our understanding of judgment must be shaped by the cross. Christ bore the judgment we deserved so that we could walk in mercy and truth. When we judge with that perspective, we do so not to tear others down—but to build up the body of Christ in holiness, love, and hope.
Bible Verses about Judging Others
Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged."
Luke 6:37, "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
John 7:24, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
Romans 2:1, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."
James 4:11, "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law."
Romans 14:4, "Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls."
1 Corinthians 4:5, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts."
Romans 14:10, "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."
Proverbs 21:2, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts."
