Psalm 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Why is it OK to call a fool a fool in the Old Testament but not in the New Testament?

Translations are tricky. These are two different words and two different meanings. On the face of it they sound the same but if you get back to the origins, there is a great difference.

The Hebrew word for fool in Psalm 14 speaks to behavior, meaning foolishness. The Greek word for fool in Matthew 5 means godless.

While Psalm 14 was referring to the action and thoughts of others, Jesus was speaking to believers about our thoughts and actions. Anger without cause and the resentful outburst Raca are emotional and we should know that a pricking of the conscience is coming. The Holy Spirit will chasten our behavior.

Calling another person godless is likened to blasphemy. It is God who saves. If we are to imply to anyone that they are beyond salvation, we are setting ourselves up not just as a judge but one who can determine salvation. This is not within our ability or responsibility.

The bible does not contradict itself. If you think it does, then look for the differences. Its there.

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

I would have to say that the imagery of an open window is the best way to relate to today’s verse. The window does two things. It offers a view of what is within. It is available for access into the room if no one is watching that might stop you.

The view from the outside might tempt the outsider to enter in. Having a view does not make you a part of what is going on within. Having a desire to be part of the group within, does not give the outsider an invitation to become part of the group. Viewing the group does not give you experience in what it feels like to be part of the group.

An open window might seem like an invitation, but it is not. Some might think, hey, they are in, what does it matter? You know that being in a group does not make you part of a group. The fact that the group hasn’t pushed you away does not mean acceptance.

What makes you one of this group is having come in by the door.

John 10:7 & 9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

So what makes the one who enters by the window a thief? Consider this, love and grace are shared among the sheep. The fellowship of the sheep is reciprocating. The one without Jesus has not the love of the Father nor can he share grace. All he can do is take, take, take.

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

No Jesus, no fellowship.