The Bible Says That!? - Commonly Misquoted Bible Phrases
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Intro
Have you ever heard a phrase that you thought was in the Bible, only to later learn that it isn’t? Give some examples.
There are several commonly quoted says that are not actually in the Bible and that often lead to misunderstandings about the Bible. It can also lead to incorrect beliefs about God, morality, and Christian living. So let’s take a look at a few of these commonly misquoted phrases.
“God helps those who help themselves”
What is this phrase saying? What does it mean?
It assumes that hard work and self-sufficiency are required for God’s blessings.
What are the negative implications if this phrase is true or biblical?
It encourages self-reliance over faith, contradicting the biblical call to trust in God’s provision rather in our own selves or abilities
Here is what the Bible actually says:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalms 121:1-2
Isaiah 41:10
How does relying on God differ from laziness?
“Money is the root of all evil”
What is this phrase saying? What does it mean?
It assumes that money itself is inherently evil.
What are the negative implications if this phrase is true or biblical?
It promotes a wrong view of wealth, leading to guilt over financial success or avoidance of responsibility since one can say “It’s just the money that is evil, not me.”
Here is what the Bible actually says:
1 Tim. 6:10– “The Love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”
Proverbs 3:9-10
What is the difference between loving money and using it wisely?
“Spare the rod, spoil the child”
What is this phrase saying? What does it mean?
It assumes that parents must use physical discipline or risk raising undisciplined children
What are the negative implications if this phrase is true or biblical?
It can be misused to justify harsh or physical punishment rather than biblical discipline
Here is what the Bible actually says:
Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod, hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Ephesians 6:4 –“ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
How can discipline be both firm and loving?
“God will never give you more than you can handle”
What is this phrase saying? What does it mean?
It assumes that people should be able to handle any hardship alone. If they can’t then it is their own fault.
What are the negative implications if this phrase is true or biblical?
It can lead to guilt, discouragement, and isolation when people struggle beyond their own ability
Here is what the Bible actually says:
1 Cor. 10:13– “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
How is this different from the phrase above?
Check out 1 Cor. 1:8-9.
Why do you think God allows us to experience more than we can handle?
So that we will rely upon him! So this phrase is actually the opposite of the truth!
“Women/Children are to be seen and not heard”
What is this phrase saying? What does it mean?
Women and children should remain silent in religious or social settings.
What are the negative implications if this phrase is true or biblical?
This belief has been used to justify the exclusion of women and children from leadership, learning, and influence in the church and the wider social order.
Here is what the Bible actually says:
Acts 2:17-18
Luke 18:15-17
Romans 16:1-7
How does Scripture show that both men and women have valuable roles in the church.
How do God and Christ view children within the Kingdom of God?
Take away
Which of these phrases have you believed or heard growing up
How has knowing the truth of Scripture changed your perspectives?