The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Criticizing Others

Criticizing others is something we all do, often without thinking. But what does the Bible say about it? This article brings together 50 Bible verses that address the topic of criticizing others.

These verses offer wisdom and guidance on how to approach criticism in a way that aligns with Christian values. Whether you're looking for personal insight or a way to share these teachings with others, you'll find valuable lessons here.

50 Bible Verses About Criticizing Others

10 Bible Verses on Criticizing Others in Love

• "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ" — Ephesians 4:15
• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:12-13
• "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." — Galatians 6:1
• "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." — Proverbs 27:6
• "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." — James 5:19-20
• "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." — Matthew 7:1-2
• "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth." — 2 Timothy 2:24-25
• "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." — Romans 14:19

10 Bible Verses on The Dangers of Criticizing Others

• "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." — Matthew 7:3-5
• "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. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" — James 4:11-12
• "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." — Proverbs 18:21
• "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!" — Galatians 5:15
• "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." — Romans 2:1
• "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." — Luke 6:37
• "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." — Proverbs 12:18
• "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." — Matthew 12:36-37
• "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. Then each one’s praise will come from God." — 1 Corinthians 4:5
• "Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others." — Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

10 Bible Verses on Overcoming the Habit of Criticizing Others

• "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" — Philippians 2:14-15
• "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." — Colossians 4:6
• "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
• "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." — Ephesians 4:29
• "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:15
• "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;" — Romans 12:10
• "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins." — Proverbs 10:12
• "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." — 2 Corinthians 10:12
• "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25
• "Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." — 1 Peter 3:9

10 Bible Verses on God's View on Criticizing Others

• "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire." — Matthew 5:22
• "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." — Proverbs 16:28
• "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." — Psalm 139:23-24
• "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." — Romans 14:10
• "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." — James 1:19-20
• "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips." — Proverbs 20:19
• "Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?'—that they might accuse Him. Then He said to them, 'What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.' Then He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him." — Matthew 12:9-14
• "Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.'" — Luke 18:9-14
• "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" — 1 John 4:20
• "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases." — Proverbs 26:20

10 Bible Verses on Responding to Criticizing Others

• "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." — Luke 6:31
• "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men." — Romans 12:17
• "Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;" — 1 Peter 2:23
• "The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil." — Proverbs 15:28
• "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you," — Matthew 5:44
• "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
• "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;" — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
• "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression." — Proverbs 19:11
• "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless." — James 1:26

What Does the Bible Say About Criticizing Others

Criticizing others is a common human behavior, but the Bible offers a different perspective. It encourages us to approach criticism with love, understanding, and humility. The verses shared above provide a roadmap for how to handle criticism in a way that aligns with Christian values. By reflecting on these teachings, we can learn to foster a more compassionate and supportive community.

One key theme is the importance of speaking the truth in love. Verses like Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 3:12-13 remind us that our words should be kind and gentle. Criticism should aim to build others up, not tear them down. This approach helps us grow together in faith and love.

Another important theme is the danger of judging others. Matthew 7:3-5 and James 4:11-12 warn us about the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring our own faults. These verses teach us to focus on self-improvement and to be cautious about passing judgment on others.

Overcoming the habit of criticizing others is also emphasized. Philippians 2:14-15 and Ephesians 4:29 encourage us to avoid complaining and to speak words that uplift. By doing so, we can create a positive environment that reflects God's love.

Finally, the Bible highlights God's view on criticism. Verses like Matthew 5:22 and Romans 14:10 show that God values love and understanding over harsh judgment. By following these teachings, we can better align our actions with God's will and promote harmony in our relationships.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Criticizing Others

Applying the Bible's teachings on criticizing others can transform our daily lives and relationships. These verses guide us to be more loving, understanding, and humble in our interactions.

Here are some practical steps to live out these principles:

• Start your day with a prayer asking for a kind and gentle heart. This sets a positive tone for your interactions.
• When you feel the urge to criticize, pause and reflect on your own imperfections. This helps you approach others with empathy.
• Practice speaking words of encouragement. Compliment a coworker or thank a family member for their efforts.
• Join a community group or Bible study to discuss these teachings and support each other in applying them.
• Make it a habit to read a Bible verse each morning that focuses on love and understanding. This keeps these values fresh in your mind.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding you to be more compassionate and loving. By applying these teachings, you can create a more positive and supportive environment around you.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.