What Does the Bible Say About Judging Others?

Judgment is one of those topics that sparks a lot of questions. We’ve all heard the verse “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1), but what does that really mean? Does it apply to how we treat unbelievers? What about fellow believers? The Bible actually makes an important distinction here, and looking at it more closely helps us live with both truth and grace.

Paul was clear in 1 Corinthians 5:12–13: “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.”

In other words, we’re not called to hold unbelievers to Christian standards before they’ve come to know Christ. Our role isn’t to condemn—it’s to love, to reflect Jesus, and to point people toward Him.

That lines up with what Jesus said in John 3:17: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Our job is to live as witnesses of His love and mercy, not to act as jury and judge over those who haven’t yet believed.

Inside the church, it’s different. We’re actually called to a kind of judgment—but not the harsh, finger-pointing kind. It’s more about loving accountability.

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:1–5 against hypocritical judgment. He told us to deal with the plank in our own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else’s. That doesn’t mean we never speak up, but it means we check our hearts first.

In John 7:24, Jesus said, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” This shows that “judgment” can be discerning truth and gently helping a brother or sister back on the right path.

Paul echoes this in Galatians 6:1: “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” The goal isn’t to shame, but to restore. That’s the heart of biblical judgment among believers.

God: The Final Judge:

At the end of the day, Scripture reminds us that God alone has the final say.

• Romans 14:10–12 says, “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat… each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

• James 4:12 tells us, “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?”

That truth should humble us. It reminds us that our role isn’t to condemn others, but to point them to the One who has both the authority and the perfect love to judge rightly.

So, what does the Bible say about judging?

• Toward unbelievers: We leave judgment to God and instead extend love and grace.

• Toward believers: We practice gentle, humble accountability, always with the goal of restoration, not condemnation.

• In all cases: We remember that God is the final Judge, and we approach others with humility, knowing how much grace He has shown us.

When we live this way, our lives reflect the balance of truth and love that Jesus modeled so perfectly.

Can you add anything that my have missed? I’d love to read about it in the comments.