Things People Think Are in the Bible But Aren't

"To thine own self be true."
Indeed, you ought to be true to yourself. As opposed to popular belief, this line isn't taken from the Bible but from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.'

Even if we are staunch Christians, there are times that we believe in words that seem to be taken out of the Bible, but in reality, they simply aren't. To start with, God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. Let's not forget, God gave them a warning not to eat the fruit of the tree of life.

The forbidden fruit, as you and I know, is a red juicy apple that Eve first bites into and presents to her mate Adam. Apparently, the Bible never makes a mention of the name of the fruit, other than calling it simply the 'tree of knowledge of good and evil.'

The point is, the fruit in question could be anything other than an apple, but as you can clearly see, it is a mere assumption that we now advocate it as a saying from the Bible.

Undoubtedly, we can seek solace in the words of the Bible when we are tempest-tossed and in dire need for some comfort. We can turn to the Bible when we need strength and motivation; it is then that we will truly know that certain sayings or proverbs are, in reality, not taken from the Holy Bible. Let's take a look at what the Bible actually says when you assume the following things.

We are all well acquainted with this phrase that is often quoted to emphasize self-initiative. While it seems the perfect advice meted out by the Bible, it has its earliest associations with a moral given to Aesop's fable "Hercules and the Waggoner."

While it is true that you have to take the first step towards achieving your goal, thus, being self-reliant, help comes to those who humble themselves to ask. So to say, the saying is a contrast to what is actually given in the Bible.

In Proverbs 28:26, a man who relies solely on himself and his ability is called a fool, while one who treads the path with caution is the one who is delivered. In other words, sublime help favors the one who is often distressed and seeks solace in submitting to the grace of God.

For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall. 
― Isaiah 25:4 (ESV)

We have always been taught to maintain cleanliness to be able to tune in to goodness. Considering the strict rules laid down for the Israelite in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, one could assume that this phrase has its origin in the Bible.

While cleanliness has always been promoted in the Bible, this phrase can be credited to an ancient Babylonian and Hebrew proverb which was revived by Sir Francis Bacon and John Wesley.

While the Bible promotes praying in a clean, unspoiled environment, the implications are not just for the physical attributes, but the spiritual aspects as well. Let's say, being physically clean is not enough, you need to have a clean heart and spirit to be a receptor of God's abundant grace.

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 
― Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)

From experience and hearsay, we can say that nothing is permanent, neither happiness nor sorrow. Life is one continuous struggle between the good and the bad, and that nothing lasts long enough. When we experience joy, we are aware of sorrow lurking in the vicinity, and so it is, when we are engulfed in sorrow.

Apparently, this saying has its roots in Persian poetry, particularly in the fable of the Attar of Nishapur, where it is inscribed on a ring. As per the fable, a powerful king asks the wise men assembled to create a ring that will make him happy when sad and vice versa; the wise men after deliberation came up with the words, we are so accustomed to hearing.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
― 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

With the emphasis being on the humble and poor, there is no doubt that money would be thought of as evil. You are sure to find many instances where the rich are condemned and brought down to earth with a severe blow, while those that dwell in humbleness have been exalted.

In Luke, Chapter 6, we find that Jesus blesses those who are poor and downtrodden, while he rebukes the rich and the proud.

I bet, we all know the power that money imposes on everything, and this obviously cannot be debated about. What the Bible actually says is a bit different from what we popularly know it as.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
― 1 Timothy 6:10

As much as you would love to believe that this quote is taken straight out of the Bible, it isn't so. The following is actually quoted by Mahatma Gandhi.

What the Bible actually says and promotes is forgiving the shortcomings of others, as we ourselves aren't really perfect. So to say, before we judge another of his misgivings and faults, we need to be aware of our own misgivings and faults.

You could very well follow the words of the Mahatma because ultimately, it calls all of us to overlook the fault and accept the individual for who he actually is.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
― Matthew 7:1-3 (ESV)

Of the other things that aren't in the Bible is the concept of hell―it has its roots in Dante's Inferno. The words written in the Bible are a testimony of Christ's words. While some of these sayings are simply misinterpretations of the Biblical truth, a lot of them are basically heresy. The best way to avoid misconceptions is to personally read and understand the words in the Bible.