Biblical Literacy

Biblical Literacy: Sayings, Not Bible Verses

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Here are four common ‘old sayings’ that many folks mistakenly believe are bible verses. While these sayings may contain practical wisdom, and even reflect values taught by scripture generally, they are not inspired scripture.

“God helps those who help themselves.”

This one is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1736).

The Bible teaches dependence on God, not self-sufficiency (see Psalm 121:2, Proverbs 3:5–6). The phrase reflects a moral idea, but it’s not scriptural.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Popularized by John Wesley in a 1778 sermon.

While the Bible values purity of heart and spiritual cleanliness (James 4:8), it never equates physical cleanliness with godliness.

“This too shall pass.”

Likely from ancient Persian or Hebrew proverbs, but not found in Scripture.

The Bible expresses similar sentiments (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, Psalm 30:5), yet the phrase itself never appears.

“Money is the root of all evil.”

This one is a misquotation of 1 Timothy 6:10.

What the Bible actually says: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” The difference is crucial — Scripture warns against greed, not wealth itself.

Biblical Literacy: Setting The Record Straight

Rick TryonLeave a comment

Here are three common misconceptions about what the Bible says – and doesn’t say.

Singular, Not Plural

The last book of the Bible is not called ‘Revelations.’ It should be referred to as the ‘Book of Revelation’, singular.

Fruit, Not Apple

The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, is never called an apple.

Genesis 2:16–17 (KJV):
“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Store Cities, Not Pyramids

In Exodus 1:11, it says the Israelites built the “store cities” of Pithom and Raamses for Pharaoh. These were supply or storage centers, not pyramids. The pyramids of Egypt were constructed many centuries earlier, during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods (roughly 2600–1800 B.C.), long before most scholars date the events of the Exodus (often placed between 1500–1200 B.C., depending on interpretation).

So, while the Israelites were enslaved and forced into construction labor, the Bible and archaeology both indicate they built cities and other works, not the pyramids.

The idea that they were building pyramids most likely comes from the Cecil B. DeMille movie, ‘The Ten Commandments‘.