Matthew 5:23

"But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna."

Key Reflection

Jesus emphasizes that even mild anger without a just cause is a sin that exposes one to divine judgment. Calling someone derogatory names like "Raca" or "You fool" escalates this anger and places one in even greater danger, highlighting the severity of such speech in His eyes.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 23,24. Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, etc. The Pharisees were intent only on the external act in worship. They looked not at all to the internal acts of the mind. If a man conformed to the external rites of religion, however much envy, and malice, and secret hatred he might have, they thought he was doing well. Our Saviour taught a different doctrine. It was of more consequence to have the heart right, than to perform the outward act. If therefore, says he, a man has gone so far as to bring his gift to the very altar, and should remember that any one had anything against him, it was his duty there to leave his offering, and go and be reconciled.

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