It’s pretty wild how many famous quotes get misattributed to Jesus. Lots of folks just assume these sayings came straight from the Bible, but the truth is, Jesus never uttered those words.
This list breaks down 11 commonly misunderstood quotes to set the record straight. Whether you’re a devout Christian or just a trivia buff, you might be surprised by some of the entries.
1. God helps those who help themselves.
This saying is not found in the Bible. It promotes self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The Bible teaches that God helps those who trust in Him. We cannot earn God’s help by our own efforts.
2. Money is the root of all evil.
The Bible actually says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Money itself is not evil, but the excessive desire for it can lead to evil actions. The Bible warns against the dangers of greed and materialism, not money itself.
3. Cleanliness is next to godliness.
This phrase is not found in the Bible. It originated from a sermon by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The Bible emphasizes inner spiritual purity more than outward cleanliness, although both are important.
4. This too shall pass.
This saying is not found in the Bible or attributed to Jesus. It is a Persian adage that suggests that all situations, whether good or bad, are temporary. The Bible teaches that while earthly circumstances are temporary, God’s word and promises are eternal.
5. God works in mysterious ways.
This phrase is not found in the Bible. It is a saying that suggests that God’s ways are often difficult for humans to understand. While it is true that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), the Bible reveals much about God’s character and purposes.
6. The Lord helps those who help themselves.
This saying is not found in the Bible. It promotes self-reliance rather than dependence on God. The Bible teaches that we cannot earn God’s help by our own efforts. True help comes from God’s grace, not our works.
7. Hate the sin, love the sinner.
This phrase is not found in the Bible or attributed to Jesus. It is a modern saying that suggests separating the person from their sinful actions. While the Bible calls us to love others, it does not use this specific phrase.
8. The lion shall lie down with the lamb.
This phrase is not found in the Bible or attributed to Jesus. It is a misquotation of Isaiah 11:6, which says, “The wolf will live with the lamb.” The verse describes the peaceful coexistence of animals in the future Messianic kingdom.
9. To thine own self be true.
This quote is not found in the Bible. It comes from Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” The Bible teaches that we should be true to God and His word, not primarily focused on being true to ourselves.
10. Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
This quote is a misquotation of John 8:32, which says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The quote is often misattributed to Jesus, but it is actually part of a larger statement about spiritual freedom.
11. Charity begins at home.
This saying is not found in the Bible or attributed to Jesus. It is a proverb that suggests that one’s primary responsibility is to take care of one’s own family and household before helping others. The Bible teaches generosity and caring for others, including those outside one’s own family.
Conclusion
While these sayings are often attributed to Jesus, they do not actually appear in the Bible. It is important to be careful about what we claim Jesus said and did not say.
We should rely on the actual teachings found in the Bible, rather than popular sayings or misquotations.
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