Common Sayings That Are Not in the Bible

Many sayings circulate in our society, and some people believe these phrases come from the Bible. However, these sayings are either man-made or are found in books other than the Bible. Here are some examples:

“Help yourself, and I will help you”

This phrase is not found in the Bible. While some people, including Christians, believe this is a biblical principle, it’s actually not a direct quote from Scripture. It reflects a popular sentiment that self-reliance is key to receiving God’s help, but it is not a biblical teaching. Instead, the Bible teaches that faith without works is dead. As

James 2:17 (NIV) says:

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

This emphasizes that while God helps those who trust in Him, our faith should be active and evident through our actions.

“God is not a man”

This phrase is often used to highlight the difference between God and humanity. While the Bible affirms that God is not like man, the specific phrase does not appear in Scripture. Theologically, this idea is connected to God’s transcendence — He is beyond human limitations and nature. Instead, Numbers 23:19 (NKJV) gives a clearer understanding:

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

This highlights that God is unchanging and trustworthy, unlike humans who are prone to error and deceit.

“God does not forsake His servant”

While this saying is often used to express God’s faithfulness, it is not a direct biblical quote. God’s faithfulness is indeed a central theme in Scripture, but this phrase is more of a traditional expression. A better biblical reference is found in

Lamentations 3:31-32 (NIV):

“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love.”

This reflects the biblical promise that while God may allow temporary suffering, He will always show mercy and restore His people.

“Love those who love you, and avoid those who don’t love you”

This phrase is not only absent from the Bible, but it also contradicts the teaching of Jesus, who called His followers to love even their enemies. Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) is a direct counterpoint to this idea:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

Jesus challenges His followers to live beyond the world’s standards of reciprocal love, showing unconditional love even to those who oppose or harm us.

“Every soul shall taste death”

This saying is commonly quoted, but it doesn’t appear in the Bible. Theologically, it reflects the reality that death is inevitable for all humans; however, the Bible also speaks about the return of Christ, where some people will be alive when He comes again and will not experience physical death.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NKJV) clarifies this:

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

This passage refers to the resurrection of believers, where those who are alive at Christ’s return will be transformed, not experiencing death.

Names That Are Not Found in the Bible

Mohamed

The name “Mohamed” does not appear anywhere in the Bible, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament. Theologically, this reflects the fact that the Bible centers on the covenant between God and Israel and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Though the Bible mentions many names, Mohamed is not one of them. Any claims about Mohamed being in the Bible are purely fabricated and misleading.

Israeli Soul Taker

The idea of an “Israeli Soul Taker” is not found in the Bible. It’s a concept created by people who may want to personify the angel of death, but Scripture does not refer to an “Israeli Soul Taker.” In fact, angels in the Bible are messengers of God, and there’s no specific angel given the title of soul taker. The Bible does teach, however, that God is sovereign over life and death, as we see in

Hebrews 9:27 (NIV):

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

The Bible emphasizes that it is God who holds the power over life and death, and angels serve as messengers of His will.

Conclusion
There are many phrases and ideas that are wrongly attributed to the Bible, and it’s essential to be vigilant in ensuring that our understanding of God’s Word is rooted in Scripture, not in popular sayings or misconceptions. As Christians, we are called to study the Bible for ourselves, as it is God’s Word that gives life and truth. In the words of

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV):