Why did Jesus call other people fools?

Question

Matthew 5:22

22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother[a]will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,[b]' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of h**l.

Matthew 23:17

17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?

This bible contradiction is a hard one that i've been struggling with. So it's not ok for us to call other people fools, but it's ok for him to call other people fools?

Answer 1

The calling isn't important. Fools are much like hogs, they know their lot. Why waste breath over the obvious?

Answer 2

The word "fool" was used differently back then.  It was not used as an insult.  Just like "dumb" was widely used when referring to a mute person.

Answer 3

As Matthew here says..one is condemnatory,the other just denotes a need for correction.

Answer 4

"Out of context." - fundie

Answer 5

because we are all crazy.

Answer 6

The "fool" of Matthew 5 refers to a "graceless wretch". In other words, don't say to someone that God will never save them.

Answer 7

Hello,

Calling a person a fool does not mean you are mocking him like a cripple and saying his IQ is 40. A fool is a person who is able to reason and think normally but does not try to learn from the obvious or pay attention to the reality around him. Wise as they claim, King Solomon was also a fool at times for marrying pagan wives which upset the religious establishment, his prophets as well as the social fabric of his society. I know a number of highly intelligent professionals who have been fools as well in many respects.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 8

In one verse, Jesus warns the believer not to call a brother a fool. In the other verse, He is referring to the unbeliever.