Forgotten Book Pt II

Trivia time again! What do the following phrases have in common?
“The Lord (or God) helps those who help themselves.”
“The Lord (or God) moves in mysterious ways.”
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“Pride comes (or goes) before a fall.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
“Austin 3:16.”
If you answered, “They are quotes from the Bible.” You, along with roughly 70% of those studied by the Barna Institute, would be incorrect.
Some of these quotes are not even close to being in the Bible. “Austin 3:16” was used as a slogan from a WWE wrestler, Steve Austin.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness,” while attributed as an ancient proverb, the quote has its English origins in a sermon by John Wesley in which he states; “Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness.”
Some of these quotes state almost the opposite of what is found in the Bible. “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” is almost contradictory to what the Bible teaches. We receive help in our times of weakness, a time we can not help ourselves, whether it is about prayer, or overcoming a trial, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness,” (Romans 8:26 NIV).
Then there are those that actually have a base in the Bible, but not quite as it is stated. “Pride comes before a fall,” is a contraction of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
“Money is the root of all evil,” while close to what the Bible states, it leaves out an important phrase, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV). It is not that money is the root of all evil, but the “love of money.”
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.” This is more of an adaptation of at least 6 various verses found in the book of Proverbs, the closest is found in 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (NIV)
“The Lord (or God) moves in mysterious ways.” This is also an adaptation of various verses. It is attributed to a hymn written by William Cowper in which the opening line is,
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.” Some can look at Psalm 77:19, “Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known.” (NIV) There is also certain verses from the book of Job which state the lack of understanding on what God does, “Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion?” (Job 36:29 NIV). While these verses can speak of God’s doing things are mysterious, for they are not known or even our own understanding, the phrase “God moves in mysterious ways,” is not in the Bible.
It is of important for believers to know what is and is not in the Bible. The Bible gives the basis for our faith in Christ. It is the standard to be used when teaching, rebuking, and training, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV)
Christians must also be prepared to give an answer for their hope, and that answer can come from the Bible, so that you will not be ashamed, and can correctly handle the word of truth “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) and “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)
The Bible is an important tool in the workings and the lives of Christians. It should be read, studied, and applied. Do not let the Bible become a forgotten book in your life.