Many phrases are often mistakenly attributed to Jesus, yet they never appear in the Bible. Understanding what Jesus truly said helps in gaining a clearer perspective of His teachings. Here are 17 sayings you thought came from Jesus but didn’t.
“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”
This phrase means that being self-reliant is important for getting help from above, however, according to Got Questions, this phrase ‘is the most often quoted phrase that is not found in the Bible”. It actually comes from ancient Greek literature and was made famous by Benjamin Franklin in Poor Richard’s Almanack.
“Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness”
This saying, frequently quoted to emphasize hygiene, is not a biblical proverb. It originates from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who used it in an 18th-century sermon. While cleanliness matters, the Bible focuses more on spiritual purity and moral cleanliness than physical hygiene.
“To Thine Own Self Be True”
People usually think Jesus said this phrase, but it’s actually from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, spoken by Polonius. While the Bible talks about honesty and integrity, this exact phrase isn’t there. Shakespeare’s works have led to many mix-ups like this one. This quote encourages personal integrity.
“This Too Shall Pass”
This phrase is usually used for comfort during tough times, but according to Christianity.com, it isn’t actually in the Bible. It comes from a Persian story about King Solomon. While the Bible talks a lot about facing challenges and trusting God’s plan, this specific saying isn’t there. It’s just become popular over time.
“Charity Begins at Home”
Frequently cited to stress the importance of taking care of one’s family first, this saying is not biblical. It is credited to Sir Thomas Browne, an English author from the 17th century. The Bible does emphasize caring for one’s family, but this specific phrase is not found in its scriptures. The sentiment, however, aligns with biblical teachings.
“Money Is the Root of All Evil”
A commonly misquoted version of a biblical passage, the actual scripture says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). It highlights the dangers of greed, not money itself. This misquote significantly alters the original meaning, emphasizing money rather than the love of it as problematic.
“God Moves in Mysterious Ways”
This phrase suggests that divine intervention is often beyond human understanding. It is derived from a hymn by William Cowper, an 18th-century English poet, not from Jesus’ teachings. While the Bible does speak to God’s incomprehensible wisdom and plans, this specific wording is not found in biblical texts, reflecting poetic rather than scriptural origins.
“The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways”
Similar to the previous saying, this phrase emphasizes God’s inscrutable plans. Its origin is also linked to William Cowper’s hymn rather than any biblical text attributed to Jesus. Though the sentiment aligns with the biblical theme of God’s mysterious and sovereign nature, the exact wording is a product of later literary creativity, not scripture.
“Moderation in All Things”
Advocating balance and self-control, this saying is not found in the Bible. Its roots are in the works of Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle. The Bible does promote moderation and self-discipline, especially in the context of the fruit of the Spirit, but this specific phrase is a philosophical concept rather than a biblical one.
“Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner”
This phrase which is usually used to encourage kindness while condemning bad behavior, isn’t from the Bible. It’s actually from St. Augustine, an early Christian thinker. While the Bible does teach love and forgiveness, even for sinners, this exact saying is a later summary of those teachings.
“Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child”
This proverb suggests that discipline is crucial for a child’s upbringing, yet it is not a direct quote from Jesus. It originates from a poem by Samuel Butler, an English satirist, in the 17th century. The Bible does discuss the importance of discipline, but this specific wording is derived from later literary sources.
“The Eyes Are the Windows to the Soul”
While this phrase emphasizes the depth of human gaze, it is not a saying from Jesus. It is derived from various literary sources over the centuries and has no specific biblical origin. The Bible does speak about the eyes as a lamp to the body, but this phrase about the soul is a later interpretation.
“The Road to Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions”
Implying that good intentions alone are insufficient without action, this saying is not from the Bible. Its origin is credited to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot from the 12th century. The Bible does warn against complacency and emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works, but this phrase itself is not scriptural.
“God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle”
This phrase is used to provide comfort during difficult times, but it is not found in the Bible. It likely stems from a misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 10:13, which discusses enduring temptations with God’s help. The Bible teaches reliance on God’s strength rather than suggesting the human capacity to handle all challenges independently.
“Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin”‘
Similar to “Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner,” this variation also encourages compassion. It is commonly misattributed to Jesus but actually originates from St. Augustine’s teachings. While the Bible does promote love for all individuals and a disdain for sin, this specific phrasing is a later theological interpretation, not a direct biblical quote.
“God Never Closes a Door Without Opening a Window”
This phrase suggests that new opportunities follow setbacks, yet it is not a biblical saying. It seems to be a modern aphorism offering hope and encouragement. The Bible speaks of God’s providence and guidance, but this specific phrase is more contemporary, reflecting a general spiritual optimism rather than direct scripture.
“The Truth Shall Set You Free”
While this phrase is close to a biblical passage, it is often misapplied. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32), referring to the truth of His teachings, not general truths. Misinterpreting this can dilute its original, profound spiritual meaning.
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