Critiquing Popular Christian Sayings

There are several sayings commonly used in Christian circles that are not biblically accurate or are misinterpretations of Scripture. We often have difficulty knowing what to say to those who are struggling, so we default to these platitudes. These are often said with the intention of counseling one another, but are not helpful.

1. "God helps those who help themselves."

Why it's unbiblical: This saying suggests that self-reliance is a virtue and that God only aids those who put in effort themselves. However, the Bible emphasizes that God's help is given to the weak, humble, and needy. The Bible does not teach that God helps those who are self-sufficient. The Bible teaches that all that we have is grace from God, unmerited favor from God. Passages like James 4:6 ("God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble") and Matthew 5:3 ("Blessed are the poor in spirit") challenge this idea.

2. "Everything happens for a reason."

Why it's unbiblical: While God can use all situations for His purposes, not everything that happens is directly willed by God. Many things occur because of human free will, sin, the devil, or the brokenness of the world. The Bible acknowledges the reality of suffering and evil, as seen in passages like Romans 8:28 (which speaks of God working all things for good for those who love Him) but does not suggest that every event has a "reason" in the sense that everything is part of God's direct plan.

3. "God will never give you more than you can handle."

Why it's unbiblical: This popular saying is based on a misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 10:13. The verse says that God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear, but it does not promise that God will only give you circumstances you can handle. The Bible teaches that God allows suffering and hardship to help believers grow and rely more on Him, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 and 2 Corinthians 12:9.

4. "Money is the root of all evil."

Why it's unbiblical: The Bible actually says that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10), not money itself. Money can be used for good or ill, and the issue is not wealth but the attitude toward it. Loving money can lead to all kinds of sinful behavior, but money itself is morally neutral.

5. "Cleanliness is next to godliness."

Why it's unbiblical: This saying has no direct biblical basis. While the Bible does encourage living in a way that honors God and respects one's body, it doesn't equate cleanliness with godliness. Spiritual purity and holiness are more important than physical cleanliness, as seen in verses like 1 Samuel 16:7 ("The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart").

6. "God won't give you more than you can bear."

Why it's unbiblical: This saying is often misunderstood and can lead people to believe they must be strong enough to handle every situation themselves. The Bible teaches that believers often face trials beyond their own ability to handle, but God’s grace and strength are sufficient. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"

7. "Follow your heart."

Why it's unbiblical: The Bible actually warns against trusting one's own heart without wisdom. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure." Following one’s own heart can lead to sin, and the Bible encourages following God’s will rather than our own desires, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 ("Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding").

These sayings reflect misunderstandings of biblical principles. While they may carry kernels of truth, they don’t fully align with Scripture’s teaching on God’s nature, suffering, and human life. It’s important for Christians to seek to understand what the Bible actually says about these topics to avoid misapplication.