Interpreting Matt. 5

What do Matthew 5:21-22 mean about insulting and calling one’s neighbor a fool? Does this relate to judging others? Also, what do 5:33-37 mean? I’ve interpreted them as meaning that we shouldn’t promise things because we can’t insure that they’ll happen, but I’m not sure – I might be missing something here.

Q. What do Matthew 5:21-22 mean about insulting and calling one’s neighbor a fool? Does this relate to judging others? Also, what do 5:33-37 mean? I’ve interpreted them as meaning that we shouldn’t promise things because we can’t insure that they’ll happen, but I’m not sure – I might be missing something here.

A. In Matt. 5:21-22 Jesus was explaining that being angry or contemptuous toward someone is as bad as murdering them. He was trying to convey the idea that under the Law we’ll be judged according the thoughts of our hearts, not just by our actions. Therefore we shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that by keeping the Law we’ll be free from sin.

In Matt. 5:33-37, He advised us against making public oaths and swearing to fulfill them since there are too many “uncontrolables” in life. But whether we say “yes” or “no” we’re to say what we mean and mean what we say.