You fool!

[Breaking Enigma]

What did Jesus mean when he said that by calling someone a fool it puts us in danger of hell fire? Did he literally mean that saying "you fool" will send us to hell? And is there a contradiction here considering that he himself calls people fools?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

What did Jesus mean when he said that by calling someone a fool it puts us in danger of hell fire? Did he literally mean that saying "you fool" will send us to hell? And is there a contradiction here considering that he himself calls people fools?

It says whoever calls a fellow believer 'raca' which is a contemptuous term and liable to be brought up before the Sanhadrin (Matt. 10:17; 26:59; Mark 15:1;Acts 4:15; 5:21; 41 ) while Moreh, shall be liable to the Gehenna of fire. That's a more serious form of contempt that indicates a rebel. (Num 10:20)

 

[Meowzltov]

It means that when we become arrogant in our own opinions, so arrogant that we can no longer listen to others, we risk damnation.

 

[hedrick]

Jesus had a tendency towards hyperbole. See also his advice to cut off parts of the body. He was emphasizing the need to treat others right, and be reconciled when you do something offensive. Note that he never suggested, even in hyperbole, that this was the unforgivable sin, just that calling others names isn’t something you should do, and if you do, you need apologize and be reconciled.

I should note that current research on bullying suggests the seriousness of verbal abuse, though as far as I know the bad effects occur when there’s a pattern, and when there’s real intent to belittle someone. I assume Jesus was using that phrase as an example of verbal abuse. Of course not all uses of “you fool” are actually personal attacks. It can be in fun or out of frustration, in a context that doesn’t cause any damage to your relationship.

 

[Meowzltov]

Of course not all uses of “you fool” are actually personal attacks. It can be in fun or out of frustration, in a context that doesn’t cause any damage to your relationship.

Occasionally the person really is a fool. Ever try to reason with someone who believes that Hillary Clinton is a reptilian shapeshifter?

 

[Breaking Enigma]

Occasionally the person really is a fool. Ever try to reason with someone who believes that Hillary Clinton is a reptilian shapeshifter?

She's certainly despicable, but a reptilian shapeshifter? That's a new one.