50 Bible Verses about Assuming

The act of assuming, often leading to misunderstandings and hasty judgments, is a topic addressed indirectly in the Bible through teachings on wisdom, understanding, and patience.

“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly,” Proverbs 14:29 advises, cautioning against the rush to conclusions without full knowledge.

In our interactions and decision-making, the tendency to assume can be a pitfall, but the Scriptures guide us towards a more thoughtful and discerning approach, valuing truth and clarity over presumption.

Throughout the biblical narrative, we find instances where assumptions led to misjudgments, such as the brothers of Joseph misinterpreting his dreams, or the disciples’ frequent misunderstandings of Jesus’ teachings. These stories serve as reminders of the complexities of human perception and the importance of seeking truth and understanding.

The Bible encourages a posture of humility and careful consideration in our judgments and beliefs. From the wisdom literature that extols the virtues of slow and deliberate discernment, to the teachings of Jesus that urge us to look beyond superficial appearances, Scripture provides a framework for navigating the often murky waters of assumptions.

This collection of 50 Bible verses explores the theme of assuming. Each verse offers insight into the biblical perspective on assumption, emphasizing the importance of grounding our thoughts and actions in wisdom, patience, and a pursuit of truth.

May these verses guide you in your interactions and reflections, encouraging you to approach situations and people with a mindset that seeks to understand rather than to prematurely conclude.

Understanding Before Judging

Proverbs 18:13

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

James 1:19

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Proverbs 17:28

“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

Proverbs 25:8

Do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?

John 7:24

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

The Danger of False Assumptions

Matthew 7:1-2

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Proverbs 21:2

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

Romans 14:13

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”

1 Samuel 16:7

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'”

James 4:11-12

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”

Wisdom in Discernment

Proverbs 3:13

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.”

1 Corinthians 2:14

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 5:15-17

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Philippians 1:9-10

And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Proverbs 14:15

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Faith and Understanding

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

John 20:29

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.”

Love and Humility in Understanding

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Ephesians 4:2

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Colossians 3:12-13

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Avoiding Hastiness in Judgment

Proverbs 29:20

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

James 1:26

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”

Proverbs 19:2

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.”

Proverbs 14:29

“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”

Embracing Patience and Understanding

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

James 3:17

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

2 Timothy 2:24

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Guidance in Seeking Truth

John 8:32

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Ephesians 4:25

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Proverbs 15:14

“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”

The Value of Wise Counsel

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 12:15

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Proverbs 19:20

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

Proverbs 27:9

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Proverbs 15:22

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Reflecting on One’s Own Attitudes

Matthew 7:3-5

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Galatians 6:4

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

2 Corinthians 13:5

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

1 Corinthians 11:28

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

This compilation of Bible verses about assuming emphasizes the importance of understanding, discernment, faith, and humility in our interactions with others. It teaches that assumptions can often lead to misunderstanding and judgement, whereas wisdom, love, and humility guide us to a more compassionate and just approach in our relationships and views.