The Bible is the bestselling and most widely read book of all time. It should come as no surprise then that it is also the most controversial and misunderstood book of all time. Among the misconceptions surrounding the Bible are many "favorite Bible quotes" or "common sayings of the Bible" that are, in actuality, nowhere to be found in the Scriptures.
Here are some of the more famous "Bible sayings" that are not found in the Bible:
"Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child"
This widely quoted saying does not appear in the Bible, even though it is quoted often. The saying, however, isn't exactly false, since it is derived from verses that say essentially the same thing. For instance, the Bible does say: "He who withholds his rod hates his son, [b]ut he who loves him disciplines him diligently." (Proverbs 13:24)
"Cleanliness is Next to Godliness"
Many people wrongly believe that this famous proverb is contained in the Bible. The earliest record of this quote is, in fact, from a sermon preached by John Wesley (1703-1791). Wesley used the phrase in a way that implied an earlier origin. Thus, the quote was probably not original with Wesley.
"God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"
According to researcher George Barna, eight out of ten Americans believe the saying "God helps those who help themselves" is in the Bible. It is, in fact, nowhere in Scripture, but was featured in Poor Richard's Alamack in 1757. The man who originated the famous quote was none other than Benjamin Franklin.
Whether this concept is consistent with the Bible's teachings depends on the context. In terms of work, the Bible emphatically teaches against laziness. Nevertheless, God is presented as One who serves as a "defense for the helpless." (Isaiah 25:4)
"Money is the Root of All Evil"
The Bible doesn't say money is the root of all evil. According to the Bible, greed is at the root of all evil.
The sentence in question comes from Paul's first letter to Timothy. The classic King James Version (KJV) records the particular verse in question as follows: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (I Timothy 6:10)
Two observations must be made about this verse:
- The verse actually reads "love of money," not simply "money." Thus, it's the lust for money and the coveting of possessions (i.e., greed) that leads to evil. Not money per se.
- The KJV stands virtually alone in the phrase "root of all evil." Overwhelmingly, the other English translations render the phrase "root of all kinds of evil." Whether the KJV or the modern English translations are correct is a matter of dispute, beyond the scope of this article.
"Pride Goes (Or Comes) Before a Fall"
This is definitely a concept found in Scripture, but the Bible's actual wording is different from this oft-repeated quote. The actual proverb reads: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
The best way to know whether certain phrases, quotes, sayings, or principles are found in the Bible is to actually read the Bible, and to do so consistently. Not only will a greater knowledge of the Bible help a person identify quotes not in the Bible, it will also provide a rich treasure of profound wisdom.
