Is It In The Bible? Quotes That Aren't Actually In The Bible

When we're in a conversation, it might be common for someone to throw in a quote "from the Bible." Only, when you check, it's not actually in there. It might be from Mother Teresa or Winston Churchill instead. 

For example, you may be discussing a lesson with your small group and suddenly remember a quote that you thought came from the Bible. And while it might seem like a minor referencing issue, there's danger in misquoting and misrepresenting God's Word.

For one thing, this can make us look foolish. But, more dangerously, it can lead people away from the gospel's truth. So, before we pull another quote out of our pocket and pass it off as Biblical wisdom, let's take a closer look at some common quotes to check if they're actually from the Bible.

Quotes That Aren't in the Bible

Here are some common quotes that people often mistake for Bible verses. Many give great inspiration and motivation, but they're still human-made quotes instead of Biblical Scripture. 

"God helps those who help themselves."

People usually use this quote to encourage others to help themselves. This is intended to reassure others that God will help them in whatever they do, as long as they put in the effort. 

However, Scripture tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

In other words, the quote goes against a key Biblical principle that we are completely dependent on God's help and mercy – our efforts are worthless without Him.

"Spare the rod, spoil the child."

Parents and others likewise often use this quote to justify the physical punishment of children, but this isn't something that God commands Christians to do. The closest thing to it is Proverbs 13:24, which says, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."

Take note that this verse talks about general discipline – not physical punishment. And, even then, it's not a command to discipline our children but an observation about what typically happens when parents do or don't discipline them. Instead, the Bible emphasizes, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

"God never gives us more than we can handle."

It’s natural for people to seek reassurance when faced with difficulties. That’s why this quote is often used to bring encouragement and comfort. The problem is that it’s not from the Bible, and the truth is the opposite.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it."

The verse tells us that there will be situations we can bear but cannot handle alone. But God is faithful and will give Christians the strength and wisdom to overcome the challenges. In short, temptations and trials beyond our capacity will come, and we can only handle them if God is in us.

Common Bible Misquotes

Just as it's dangerous to claim something that isn't actually in the Bible, it's also wrong to quote Bible verses out of context. These misquotes can easily mislead people into thinking that God said something when He never meant it in that way at all. 

Here are some common Bible misquotes to pay attention to:

"Judge not, that you be not judged."

This quote is often used to stop people from criticizing others. But reading the rest of the verse is essential to get the complete picture. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Here, Jesus is saying that we shouldn't be quick to judge others because we're just as sinful as they are. And before we can help them, we must first deal with our sinfulness. After all, we are all wicked people in God's eyes. Therefore, He is the only one who has the right to judge.

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."

This excellent verse reminds us of God's strength and power, but it's often misquoted as "I can do all things," leading people to think they can achieve anything through God – even if these things go against His teachings.

Instead, Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ – not on our own, but with His help. If we look at the bigger picture, the verses say, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:11, 13, 19)

When we understand that we can be satisfied in God, it completely changes the meaning of the verse. We joyfully realize that we can fulfill God’s will – not our own – through His strength.

"God will give me everything I want."

This quote is taken from Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

By reading this as God giving you everything you ask for, the perspective becomes selfish instead of God-centered. The truth is that God doesn't always give us what we want but always gives us what we need. His plan for our lives is good, even when it doesn't seem like it at the time.

What is the Danger of Fake Bible Quotes?

Pretending that some quotes are from the Bible and misinterpreting Bible verses can bring more harm than good. Here are a few reasons it's dangerous to spread fake Bible quotes:

• They can support false teaching or doctrine, leading people to believe in lies instead of the truth.
• They can mislead people about what the Bible says, resulting in misinformed decision-making.
• They can indirectly manipulate or control people to make them act against their best interests.

It’s crucial to be aware of the dangers of fake Bible quotes and be sensitive and knowledgeable enough to identify them when we hear them. No Christian should take advantage of others by misquoting and misunderstanding what God actually said.

Following God’s True Word

In a way, misquoting the Bible is putting words in God's mouth. And that's something we should never do, as it can have dangerous, life-changing consequences for us and those around us. 

Instead, Christians must be careful with quoting Scripture accurately and encourage others to do the same. When we listen to and learn from Biblical truths, we can be proper witnesses to His eternal love and faithfulness.