Matthew 5:21-22 "You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Fool!' will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, 'You moron!' will be subject to hellfire. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
In dealing with a school or neighborhood bully as a child, you may have been taught the familiar saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but names/words will never hurt me". The saying more or less tells us that words don't matter. These words of advice sound good and may have served a purpose, but I'm sure that you can look back and still remember how those words, those names did hurt, they did matter.
As we go further into the sermon on the mount, we'll see how Jesus does not hold back on His teaching, He confronts and challenges. His direct way may not be well received in pulpits today and I'm sure there were some that were taken aback when He said the words then. But his emphasis was that not only did words matter but they revealed what was at or in the heart of the person that said them. We may not be guilty of murder but if our hearts hold anger or malice towards another that come out in vicious words it still reveals that our hearts are out of line.
Some of the older translations simply use the word "fool" in this verse. Here, the HCSB also uses the word "moron", The Message uses "idiot". It is a reminder that in the place of "fool" we can insert whatever derogatory word that we tend to use. We may say, well I never call anyone a fool, but what of the word of your choice?
As we go about our day today, may we remember that words do matter, words "kill" (v.22 The Message) and that they reveal what is in our hearts and minds.
Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, English Standard Version (ESV)
Matthew 5:21-24
The Message (MSG)
Murder
21-22 "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
23-24 "This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
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