Have you ever found yourself pointing out someone else’s flaws while ignoring your own? It’s a common human experience — easy to spot what’s wrong in others, but hard to see where we need growth. The Bible speaks directly to this through the metaphor of a “plank in your eye,” urging believers to look inward first before judging others.
This powerful teaching, first mentioned by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, isn’t just about avoiding hypocrisy — it’s a call to self-awareness, humility, and personal transformation.
Whether you’re dealing with relationships, personal struggles, or spiritual growth, these Bible verses offer wisdom that can shift your perspective and guide your actions.
Let’s explore 35 Bible verses that echo this life-changing principle. Each scripture includes a short explanation to help you understand its context and how it can apply to your life today.
Matthew 7:3
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Explanation:
Jesus questions our tendency to judge others while ignoring our own faults. This verse reminds us to examine ourselves before criticizing others.
Matthew 7:4
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
Explanation:
Here, Jesus highlights the hypocrisy in trying to fix others when we have unresolved issues ourselves. It’s a call to personal accountability.
Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Explanation:
This verse teaches that self-reflection must come before helping others. True compassion begins with humility.
Luke 6:41
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Explanation:
Luke echoes Matthew’s message, reinforcing that inner change is needed before offering correction to others.
Luke 6:42
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye?
Explanation:
Jesus challenges us to recognize our flaws before calling out others. Spiritual clarity begins with honest self-assessment.
Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself.
Explanation:
Paul warns against self-righteous judgment. If we judge others while committing the same sins, we condemn ourselves.
James 4:11
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law.
Explanation:
Judging others damages community. James encourages believers to speak with grace and avoid condemnation.
Proverbs 21:2
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Explanation:
We often justify our behavior, but God sees our true motives. It’s a reminder to stay humble.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
Explanation:
Correction should be done with love and gentleness, not judgment or pride.
John 8:7
Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.
Explanation:
Jesus reminds us that no one is without sin. Compassion should come before condemnation.
Romans 14:10
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?
Explanation:
Paul challenges believers to leave judgment to God and treat others with respect.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
Explanation:
Pride blinds us to truth. True wisdom requires humility and teachability.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.
Explanation:
This verse underscores the universal need for grace — we all fall short.
Matthew 23:28
On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
Explanation:
Jesus calls out religious leaders for pretending to be holy. Authenticity is more important than appearance.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance.
Explanation:
Forgiveness and patience are essential. We should extend to others the grace we’ve received.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.
Explanation:
Paul reminds us that only God sees the full picture. Our judgments are often premature and incomplete.
Proverbs 18:13
To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.
Explanation:
Listening first is wise. Jumping to judgment leads to misunderstanding.
Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Explanation:
Gentleness and kindness should define our interactions, not harsh criticism.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Explanation:
When we show mercy, we reflect God’s heart and open ourselves to His grace.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Explanation:
True spiritual maturity shows through humility, not superiority.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
Explanation:
It’s foolish to assume we’re always right. Wise people welcome correction.
Isaiah 64:6
All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
Explanation:
No one can boast of their righteousness. This humbling truth keeps us from self-righteous judgment.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Explanation:
Asking God to reveal our blind spots helps us grow and judge less.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Explanation:
These qualities leave no room for harsh judgment. They promote unity and grace.
Proverbs 27:5-6
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted.
Explanation:
Correction, when done in love, can lead to healing — but it must come from a place of sincerity.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Explanation:
Humility helps us see others not as targets for criticism, but as equals in need of grace.
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Explanation:
Encouragement, not judgment, should be the goal of Christian community.
Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.
Explanation:
A balanced self-view guards against arrogance and judgmental attitudes.
James 1:19
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Explanation:
Judgment often comes from speaking too soon. Listening builds understanding.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Explanation:
Love fosters grace. When we love well, we judge less.
Psalm 19:12
But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Explanation:
We all have blind spots. Asking God for help shows spiritual maturity.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.
Explanation:
Self-examination is vital for growth. It’s the first step before correcting others.
Micah 6:8
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Explanation:
Walking humbly keeps us from judging others harshly. Mercy and justice must work together.
Job 13:23-24
How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.
Explanation:
Job’s plea for self-awareness invites us to do the same — reflect before we accuse.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Explanation:
Transformation begins within. A pure heart sees others through the lens of grace.
Conclusion
The plank in your eye metaphor teaches us a timeless lesson — one we all need. These 35 Bible verses about plank in your eye invite us to pause, reflect, and approach others with humility and compassion.
Rather than focusing on others’ faults, we are called to look inward and seek God’s help in becoming more loving, forgiving, and aware of our own spiritual journey.
As you reflect on these verses, consider how they speak to your life today. Are there areas where you’re quick to judge but slow to listen? What might God be trying to show you about yourself?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, favorite verses, or experiences in the comments. Your story might encourage someone else in their walk of faith.