What does the Bible say about judging others?
What does the Bible say about judging others? Jesus said 'Judge not, that ye be not judged' — warning against hypocritical condemnation — while also teaching believers to exercise discernment and hold each other accountable in love.
Key verse: Matthew 7:1-2 (KJV)
Jesus said 'Judge not, that ye be not judged' — warning against hypocritical condemnation — while also teaching believers to exercise discernment and hold each other accountable in love.
Jesus said 'Judge not, that ye be not judged' — warning against hypocritical condemnation — while also teaching believers to exercise discernment and hold each other accountable in love.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." — Matthew 7:1-2 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus' command 'Judge not' in Matthew 7:1 is one of the most quoted but often misunderstood verses. In context, Jesus was condemning hypocritical judgment — seeing a speck in another's eye while ignoring the plank in your own. He wasn't prohibiting all moral discernment; in fact, He told His followers to evaluate fruit (Matthew 7:16-20) and to confront sin in fellow believers (Matthew 18:15-17). Paul instructed the church to judge those within the fellowship while leaving outsiders to God. The biblical balance is clear: avoid self-righteous condemnation, but exercise loving, humble discernment within the community of faith.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Judging Others?
What the Bible teaches about judging, discernment, and the balance between correction and condemnation.
Key Scripture References
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
"Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What does the Bible say about judging others?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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