My mother used to quote this little proverb: Fools names and faces are always seen in public places. She told me that foolish people write their names and profanities on public property. I can say that I was never tempted to become a foolish person in that regard!

I have often puzzled over that saying, since every person’s name and face can appear in public places, respectably. As I mused over this proverb, I came to better understand what it means.

In Matthew 5:22, Jesus gave a warning against anger and name-calling:

“but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.”

The meaning of “Raca” is debated among scholars. It maybe an Aramaic term for “empty-head” or “imbecile.” Thus reflection is cast upon the intellect or mental ability. To angrily shout, “You fool,” is to tread near the abyss of hell itself. Commentators suggest that the word “fool,” as used in this verse, casts reflection upon the “heart and character.” (Cf. W.E. Vine*). And yet Scripture identifies some as fools. The apostle Paul called the Galatians foolish (acting like fools) (Gal. 3:1). Is this a contradiction in the Bible? No, of course not. As we study, we begin to see that there is both a legitimate and a sinful use of the word.

We all recognize the possibility of an individual being brought before a court for some kind of slander or libelous language. However, the Lord warns that there is a level of anger that threatens eternal welfare. We are accountable for every word we speak (Mt. 12:36). So let us examine the attitude of the individual who levels such arrows at others.

Just what does the word “fool” mean? According to W.E. Vine, there are several Greek words translated “fool” or “foolish.” There are shades of difference in these words, but the basic meaning is as it is in English. That is to lack seriousness and common sense, to fail to perceive or understand (and practice) moral principles, to be ignorant, etc. (*See: W.E. Vine, http://www.mf.no/bibelprog/vines.pl?word=fool).

How can we learn to avoid using words in a way that could condemn us?

Jesus taught that it is out of the heart that words flow (Mt. 12:34). Words are used so carelessly these days. When I was a girl, I never heard the words foaming from the mouths of young and old that you hear now just going to the grocery store. The problem of road rage, the increase of murders in fits of anger, and child abuse surely reveal there are deep-seated problems. Uncontrolled anger is just one of the symptoms of a world out of control. Out of anger come sins of all sorts, including the use of poisonous words.

Anger has different faces. Paul taught “Be angry, but sin not?. Neither give place to the devil.”(Cf. Eph. 4:26-27). Giving in to Satan gives rise to wrath that festers. Festering sores can destroy physical life. Festering attitudes can destroy both physical and spiritual well being.

What creates anger so heated that the lips spit venom and ugliness?

Generally, anger occurs when we feel violated in some way. Think about the last time you were extremely angry. Was it not because you felt mistreated, ignored or maligned? Anger can be slow, seething— eventually reaching a point of eruption. Or it can be a sudden explosion. Either type can result in ungodly behavior, especially unsavory and retaliatory language.

What kinds of scenarios potentially bring us to the brink of condemnation?

A spouse may say or do something that angers us. A child may disobey. A parent may be critical. An elderly parent’s child may be condescending. A driver may cut us off at the freeway. A teller may short-change us.

This list could be lengthened, for things that anger one may not anger another. One other important item could be added. When one is exposed to the truth from God’s word, could it not create anger?

We know that Jesus died because of the anger of the Jewish leaders. We know that the apostle Paul suffered many persecutions because of the anger of Jewish stalkers. Many have been martyred for teaching God’s word. Such was the fate of Stephen who was “gnashed on” with the teeth of the angry Jews when they were challenged for their sins culminating in the death of Christ (Acts 7).

Today, a preacher may speak on godly living or giving, or even on the gospel plan of salvation and find venom waiting for him at the door on Sunday morning. Or he may write an article that so offends those who refuse instruction that they call him a fool!

Anger frequently comes out of an unhealthy focus upon one’s self. We may forget that a spouse ought to be blessed by us, instead of yelled at. We are so personally offended when our children disobey, that we lose sight of what the purpose of discipline is. We are so sensitive (and desire to please) that if a parent or adult child offers suggestions, we are wounded.

We can avoid spewing contemptuous words by having pure hearts that are ever striving to help others go to heaven. Defending one’s self in every situation is counter productive to that godly goal. We need to develop the patient love described in 1 Corinthians 13, so that we can better understand others, rather than being “cocked and aimed,” ready with a brilliant, debilitating comeback. Hearts enlightened by the knowledge of the glorious gospel (2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:18) will restrain reactions and lips from angry expletives.

Then how are these words legitimately used? How can one avoid being correctly labeled as a fool?

We are compelled to find out what a biblical fool is in order to respond to these questions. The Bible is replete with identifying marks of the foolish. We list only a few passages here.

1. A person who denies the existence of God is a fool (Ps. 14:1, Rom. 1:20-22).

2. A person who despises wisdom and instruction is a fool (Prov. 1:7;).

3. A person who speaks folly (carnal jesting, lies, strife, self-pity) is a fool. (Prov. 15:2, 18:6-7, 19:1; Eph. 5:4).

4. A person who rebelliously refuses truth and righteousness is a fool (Prov. 17:10).

5. A person who has no delight in truth is a fool; he is deceitful (Prov. 14:8, 18:2).

6. An individual who acts hastily when angry is foolish (Prov. 14:17).

7. A person who thinks he knows it all is a fool (Prov. 12:15).

8. A person who wastes and spends all he has is a fool (Prov. 22:20).

9. A fool enjoys wickedness, seeing it as a game (Prov. 10:23).

10. A fool is quarrelsome (Prov. 18:6; 20:3).

So, how does this help me know how words are to be legitimately used? First of all we need to be cautious in our attitudes toward others, even those who are weak. When we use these words, we had better understand that they must be used without rancor. To name call out of a demeaning, hateful spirit is out of order. When we encounter a person who is without understanding of the most basic decent and godly behaviors, with heavy hearts we recognize that that person is a fool. Discarding eternal life is foolishness.

But we must continue to love even the fool, with hope for his change of life. We must realize that because one is a fool is not necessarily justification for telling him he is a fool. We must be sensitive to what is spiritually best for that wayward soul.

Walking As The Wise

How can one avoid being known as a fool, (i.e. a fool’s name and face in public places), according to the Scriptures?

An individual whose heart is tender and honest, obedient, easily taught, eager to save souls, is pure and revolted by the filth and crudeness characteristic of the fool is not a fool. A wise person remembers that the words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious in contrast to the talk of fools (Eccl. 10:12-14). Words will be carefully chosen with the realization that wise words are precious indeed (Prov. 25:11).

There are many fools extant in our world. The masses generally refuse God and are rushing headlong toward the gates of hell (Mt. 7:13; Prov.1:7). That broad way is filled foolish people, even those who have named Christ as their Savior. Superficial religion is not true religion. It is so foolish to refuse to be instructed to “observe all things” regarding worship and walking godly as commanded by the Lord.

But the man or woman who loves the Lord with every ounce of being (Mt. 22:37), expressed in obedience, is truly wise (Prov. 9:10). Let us then “walk as the wise” (Eph. 15-16) seeing time as a precious and so very limited commodity with which to serve the Everlasting Father and Lord Jesus.

** Christian Courier On The Web Related articles:

Penpoints (3/18/02): Jason Jackson, Some Fools in Proverbs http://www.christiancourier.com/penpoints/proverbsFools.htm

Penpoints (3/11/02): Wayne Jackson Answering the Fool http://www.christiancourier.com/penpoints/answeringFools.htm

Archives (8/27/03): Wayne Jackson, The Folly of Atheism http://www.christiancourier.com/penpoints/answeringFools.htm

Comments may be sent to: betty@christiancourier.com