It’s easy to point out the faults in others, but the Bible warns us about being judgmental. Instead, it calls us to focus on our own growth and approach others with grace. Today, we’ll look at verses that remind us of the importance of kindness and humility in our words and actions.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Guns
Bible Verses About Criticizing Others
Matthew 7:1 – We should refrain from judgment to avoid hypocrisy
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
Luke 6:37 – The act of criticizing others can reflect back upon us
“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
Romans 14:10 – We must remember that we are not the ultimate judges
“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
James 4:11 – Speaking ill of others is a reflection of our own hearts
“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
Galatians 6:1 – We should approach others in a spirit of gentleness when correcting
“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
Matthew 5:7 – Mercy is better than judgment in our interactions
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Romans 2:1 – Criticism of others makes us blind to our own shortcomings
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself.” – Romans 2:1
Proverbs 11:12 – Criticizing others often stems from a lack of wisdom
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” – Proverbs 11:12
1 Peter 2:1 – Instead of criticizing, we should be focused on our own growth
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1
Proverbs 20:19 – Gossiping about others can lead to misunderstandings
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
Colossians 3:13 – Forgiveness should replace criticism among believers
“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
Proverbs 15:32 – Listening and learning is better than judging
“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” – Proverbs 15:32
Matthew 12:36 – Our words and criticisms will be judged
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
Proverbs 26:20 – Disputes often escalate through careless words
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20
Isaiah 58:9 – Genuine kindness fosters a more supportive environment
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk.” – Isaiah 58:9
Romans 15:1 – We should support others rather than criticize
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1
Philippians 2:14 – A positive approach is better than negativity
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14
1 Corinthians 4:5 – God will reveal the truth in His timing
“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
Proverbs 19:11 – Good judgment stems from patience and understanding
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
Matthew 23:3 – We must practice what we preach to avoid criticism
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” – Matthew 23:3
Galatians 5:15 – Infighting can destroy community unity
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Proverbs 18:13 – Listening first before criticizing is wise
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Matthew 9:36 – Compassion should govern our responses to others
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage rather than criticize for community growth
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 14:21 – Holding onto biases may be a source of our judgments
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” – Proverbs 14:21
Ephesians 4:29 – Words should be uplifting rather than destructive
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” – Ephesians 4:29
2 Timothy 2:24 – A servant of the Lord must not engage in quarrels
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” – 2 Timothy 2:24
Proverbs 23:9 – Not everyone is receptive to correction
“Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” – Proverbs 23:9
Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 – We must remember our own faults before criticizing
“Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.” – Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
Philippians 4:8 – Focus on what is good rather than criticizing others
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
1 John 4:20 – True love dismisses criticism
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” – 1 John 4:20
Matthew 18:15 – Careful confrontation can lead to restoration
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
Proverbs 17:9 – Love overlooks offenses rather than highlighting them
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9