May 5, 2007
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Bible Difficulties: Matthew 5:22
“Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell”
My sister called me today with a question. Her question: “Is it a sin to call someone a fool, to use the word, ‘fool’?” It seems she had been talking to a friend who told her that calling someone a “fool” was a sin because Jesus said it was. I do not know the full context of their conversation, however, I find that this is one of those passages that, when taken out of context, or when taken literally, can be misunderstood. Oh…..the danger of taking a portion of Scripture literally without looking at the context. The answer may very well be “yes”, however, not quite in the legalistic, literal way that my sister understood this statement to be. Let’s explore this statement that Jesus made in context, let’s look at Matthew 5:21-22.Matthew 5:21-22
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.This is a great passage in which to do some word study. Let’s first look at the word “Raca” then “fool”:
Raca: This term is only found here in the New Testament. “Raca” is an Aramaic term of contempt, an insult, that was transliterated into Greek meaning “empty headed, worthless or foolish”. Using this term toward someone in Jesus day might warrant being charged with slander before the Jewish council or the Sanhedrin (the Jewish supreme court).
Fool: The Greek word for “fool” (used here) is “moros“, meaning “morally worthless”, which is where we get the word “moron”. It is a more serious charge than raca. Raca scorns a man by calling him stupid…….moros scorns him concerning his heart and his character. Moros also carries the image of rebellion due to the possibility that it may be a transliteration of the Hebrew word “moreh“.
So, what is Jesus telling us here? Jesus, as He does often, reveals the heart of God’s wisdom. Killing is a terrible sin….however, anger is just as bad as it violates God’s command to love our neighbor. The anger mentioned here is extreme anger or bitterness directed at another person. This anger is a dangerous emotion that often moves us to lose control and strike out in rage, bitterness, or violence. Anger leads to emotional hurt, mental stress and spiritual damage. Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God.Jesus is not saying that calling someone a fool will condemn them to hell. What He is saying is that to utter such words is to place our self in a worse condition, one that damages our spirit and moves us away from God. I find it interesting that it is much like the pot calling the kettle black…..if a believer is angry enough to call someone a fool, morally worthless…..the person uttering these words suffers from the same condition……rebellion and moral worthlessness……..placing the utterer in a worse condition at the time of judgement (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
What do you think?
Comments (11)
This is a very good study. I think there is a little more to it than this, too. I think this passage can qualify as wisdom literature, like the Proverbs. When you call someone a fool, that’s contempt, and it’s the first step in a dangerous path that, if not stopped, will lead to murder. If you hate someone, or dehumanize them and think of them as worthless, if you don’t check yourself, you’ll end up maligning them, then mistreating them, then persecuting them and ultimately killing them. Jesus is warning us of the dangerous path we set out on when we start with this one small, but hateful action toward our neighbors.
ryc MrsDarcy: I agree very much. Often, one of the things about sin is that as we accept it in our lives, we become desensitized to the wrong in our lives. It is easier to continue in the wrong and very often escalate in the sin….getting farther and farther from God. I agree, “Jesus is warning us of the dangerous path we set out on when we start with this one small, but hateful action toward our neighbors.” Very insightful! God bless!
sweetious
I think you’re 100% on the money. Now I wonder what happens when you call yourself a fool?
ryc Ron: That’s allowed……we can call ourselves fools
good stuff!
Jan,
Interesting, I am reading the book of James this week and the passage of slow to anger, slow to speak comes to mind when reading your thoughts on this passage. I wonder if in a world of self over others and all is not fair unless it goes my way that we could benefit greatly by teaching and studying such passages more.
In application in today’s world Matthew chapter 5 is a great place to begin in examining our personal devotion to obedience of God’s direction for all of us to live by. The entire chapter appears to me to point to one very simple theme as it applies today, forget about yourself and put all others first second only to God.
Just my thoughts, or ramblings depending on how you look at it….
Steve B.
ryc Steve: ” I wonder if in a world of self over others and all is not fair unless it goes my way that we could benefit greatly by teaching and studying such passages more.”
I believe that the key to understanding what Jesus, indeed, God, wants us to understand is received through humbleness and a servant heart, a heart of loving and giving. These things are not automatic inside us but require steady application to attain. I agree very much, “forget about yourself and put all others first second only to God. “
God bless!
I think context is everything here. Jesus was saying that those who call a believer in Christ a fool (because of their belief) are in danger of hell, not people who use that term in general.
ryc FKIProfessor: I love the pic
Is that a bandage or a sage hat? Gos bless 
Your prayers are greatly appreciated. -Derek-