Jesus told his disciples:

20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause § will be in danger of the judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny."

Matthew 5:20-26 - World English Bible

In Matthew 5, Jesus commented on the Law, specifically the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:13). His interpretation can be divided into two parts:1) application of the commandment to everyday affairs and 2) settling accounts before sin against the commandment got out of hand.

Jesus applied the commandment to everyday judgments people make. To modern Westerners, the insult "Raca" (meaning "empty-headed") and "fool" might not seem especially derogatory, but in the time of Jesus, they had that possibility. "Fool" meant "godless" (Psalm 14:1); "raca" could refer to those with severe mental disability (for example, Downs syndrome). Such insults were not to be taken lightly. Even if given in jest, Matthew's gospel used extreme language to make a point. Insults could be taken the wrong way, or given to maximize shame. Either way, the one who was the object of the insult became the victim.

How could one repair the damage of the insult? Jesus used the image of the debtor prison to make his point. Act quickly to minimize the damage, otherwise the damage will fester and grow. In the end, the shame might return to the one giving the insult.

People make judgments against others, people tease each other. This is natural. But the results of judging and teasing can be misunderstood or even worse. Sensitivity and wisdom are required when "name calling." Such results can be deadly to the soul.

How do you tease others or make judgments over them? How have you followed the advice of Jesus and apologized quickly when damage is done?