Question:
Dr. Lindstrom, in Matthew 5, Jesus says,”Whosoever shall say,’Thou Fool’, shall be in danger of Hell fire”. I don’t understand this. Could you explain this? Thanks.
Answer:
The verse in question is Matthew 5:22 which says, “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Raca in English means “fool” but it also shows great contempt, as well as senseless, stupid. Jesus taught that this is violation of the 6th commandment not to kill just like the earlier part of the verse saying that to be angry at someone is the same as killing your brother. Calling someone shows your sinful heart… you are sinning. The penalty or wages of sin is death. Fortunately Christians are not judged for their sins and are not at risk to go to hell. Jesus died for sins including getting angry at our brother or calling him a fool.