What does the Bible say about calling someone a fool?
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The Bible warns against contemptuous, angry name-calling, while also recognizing that God truthfully calls those who reject Him foolish. Jesus says that insulting a brother as “fool” exposes the heart to God’s judgment, because sinful anger and contempt violate the love God requires (Matthew 5:22). Yet Psalm 14:1 and Proverbs describe the fool as one who denies God, despises wisdom, and gives full vent to his feelings. Christ Himself rebuked religious hypocrites as foolish when exposing their blind rejection of God’s truth (Matthew 23:17, 19). Therefore Christians should not use “fool” to vent pride or hatred, but should speak truth humbly, seek repentance, and leave final judgment to God.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 5:22
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
> 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 29:11
A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.
- Matthew 23:17
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
- Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.
- Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own opinion.
- Matthew 23:19
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
- Proverbs 10:18
He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
- 1 Corinthians 3:18
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
- Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
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