“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.’” – Matthew 5:21-22 NLT
Jesus’ Teaching on Calling Someone a Fool
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a bold statement on the consequences of calling someone a fool (or “idiot,” as translations such as the New Living Translation read). It’s sandwiched between the consequences of being angry with someone and cursing someone.
Controlling Our Anger
While it may seem like an odd place to insert such a warning, the structure of Jesus’ message is important to understanding the significance of this warning. You can look at Matthew 5:21-22 as a series of increased frustrations. It begins with anger.
As this anger grows, it works its way into our actions and words. These words start as an insult (fool, idiot), but if left unchecked they turn into an even weightier use of words––a curse (i.e. hoping the worst for a person). Jesus is warning us that anger can quickly get out of control. This is why we must receive God’s forgiveness––those who have been forgiven and know how freeing it is will forgive others.
What Does the Word Raca Mean?
The original word used for “fool” or “idiot” is raca. In the original Aramiac, it means “empty-headed” or “brainless.” The phrase was used to insult a person’s intelligence, much like the word fool is used today. But in more extreme cases, raca was attributed to insulting someone’s value and worth.
Jesus wants us to both control our words and our hearts. This passage isn’t only specific to calling someone a fool. Our words have power (James 3:7-12, Proverbs 18:21) and we have to be mindful of how they build up or tear others down. When our hearts are right, the words that flow from our mouths will reflect it.
What If Someone Is Being Foolish?
God wants us to hold each other accountable. If someone is being foolish or acting in a way that doesn’t honor God or others, it’s important that we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). However, we need to call out the sin while loving the sinner. Share with the hope of repentance. While their actions may be foolish, their value is found in Jesus.
The Bible uses the idea of calling someone a fool to teach us a bigger lesson about honoring others, extending forgiveness, and valuing others as creatures made in God’s image. Watch what you say, and look at others with the heart of God––compassionate and caring.
