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Selah · Answered from Scripture

What does the Bible say about judging others?

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What Scripture says

“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.

Matthew 7:1

Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.

Luke 6:37

But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 14:10

Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

James 4:12

But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.”

John 8:7

Verses quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).

A reflection

The Bible emphasizes the importance of refraining from judgment, reminding us that we too will be judged by the same standard we apply to others (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37). This calls us to humility and caution, recognizing that only God has the authority to judge the hearts and intentions of individuals (James 4:12; Romans 2:1). Instead of condemning, we are encouraged to approach others with mercy and understanding, as our judgments can often reflect our own faults (John 8:7; Romans 14:10).

This reflection was written by AI from the verses above. The verses are quoted verbatim; the AI never writes Scripture.

Where traditions read it

Catholic
The Catholic tradition, following Augustine, teaches that while we should not judge in uncertain matters, we can judge sinful actions when their nature is clear. It emphasizes interpreting actions charitably and refraining from condemning others too hastily.
Orthodox
The Orthodox perspective, as articulated by Origen, calls for caution in judgment, suggesting we should leave final judgment to God, who knows all circumstances and intentions, thus promoting humility over condemnation.
Protestant
The Protestant view, as noted by Matthew Henry, stresses judging without bias and reserving final judgments about others’ eternal states to God alone, advocating correction and counsel instead of harsh condemnation.

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