What does the Bible say about calling people fools?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns against calling people fools in sinful anger or contempt, while allowing sober, truthful rebuke when it serves God’s holiness and a neighbor’s good. In Matthew 5:22, Jesus exposes the heart behind insulting speech, showing that contempt is accountable before God. Yet in Matthew 23:17 and 23:19, Christ Himself calls hypocritical religious leaders foolish because they reject God’s truth. Scripture especially identifies as folly denying God, despising wisdom, trusting one’s own judgment, venting anger, or delighting only in personal opinions, as Psalms 14:1 and Proverbs 1:7, 12:15, 18:2, and 29:11 teach. Christians should therefore speak humbly, avoid slander and rage, and leave final judgment to God.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 5:22 13 votes
But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
- Psalms 14:1 9 votes
> The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They have done abominable works. There is none who does good.
- Proverbs 12:15 6 votes
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.
- Matthew 23:17 5 votes
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
- Proverbs 29:11 5 votes
A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.
- Proverbs 18:2 5 votes
A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own opinion.
- Proverbs 1:7 4 votes
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Luke 12:20 4 votes
"But God said to him, 'You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared--whose will they be?'
- Proverbs 10:18 3 votes
He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
- Matthew 23:19 3 votes
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about calling people fools and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about calling people fools