Posted on 04/16/2025 4:59:25 AM PDT by metmom
“‘Whoever says, “You fool,” shall be guilty enough to go into fiery hell’” (Matthew 5:22).
No one wants to be called a fool, and on the other side of the coin, no one should fix that label on someone else. That’s especially true when we realize that the word in this verse translated “fool” is from the Greek word from which we get moron. The word also denotes one who is stupid or dull. Greek literature sometimes used it to refer to a godless or obstinate person. And it was perhaps parallel to a Hebrew word that means “to rebel against.”
Twice the psalmist tells us “the fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; cf. 10:4). The book of Proverbs contains many negative references and warnings to fools (1:7; 10:8, 10; 14:9). Jesus used a related but less severe term when He reprimanded the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25).
Because of these and other testimonies in God’s Word, we know people engage in foolish thoughts and actions. Therefore it is not wrong for us to warn or rebuke someone who is acting or speaking foolishly and clearly opposing God’s will. In fact, we are supposed to take this action! The Lord is warning us here, however, that it is sin to slanderously call someone a fool out of personal anger or hatred. Maliciously calling another a fool is again equivalent to murder and worthy of eternal punishment in hell if not repented of.
Ask Yourself
Most of our slanderous remarks are not made to others’ faces but rather behind their backs. What guiding principles can you set in place to guard yourself from being ugly and unkind to others, even when speaking about them in private conversation?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
So, I’m going to need to find another word to call liberal politicians.
Evil?
Yeah, but, there are plenty of them “out there”.
“EVIL”, great suggestion. I was just thinking the same thing as Larry. But I’m going to need some powerful help from the Holy Spirit to remind me to do that. All too often I act before I think.
:)
.
Only God knows the state of one’s heart. Jesus would truly know who is a fool.
But what if it is TRUE?
“Literally Joseph Stalin” or “literally Mao Zedong”, perhaps?
Ooh, good ones.
I was rather thinking the same thing myself. Is calling them evil, worse than calling them fools? No doubt they are evil. Not all of them, but most of them.
I hear you.
Oh you foolish Galatians!
The Bible does say "the fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'." So, I can't help but think anyone -- even those who claim to believe in God -- who does and advances evil things is in practical effect denying He exists. They are acting as if there is no higher power/lawgiver/Creator/Almighty God. That makes them fools AND they are evil.
RACA and fool, Matthew 5
It is interesting to consider how God views a Christian. Scripture describes them as a Temple, a priest of a royal priesthood, as sinless (as long as they walk in the light,) as a vessel containing the Holy Spirit. In other words, a Christian is a VERY SPECIAL citizen of the Kingdom and the world.
When we verbally abuse a fellow Christian, are we not committing one very grievous sin against someone whom God considers to be very special? And suppose that our callousness causes that Christian to never worship the Lord again. On the Day of Judgment, how will the Lord judge that former Christian? And then, if we are the causal agent, how will we be judged? This thought is the scariest thought that I have had. I have always been kind to fellow Christians but this hardened my resolve to never be harsh with a fellow Christian.
“Live at peace with everyone, but ESPECIALLY with the household of God.” Galatians 6
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