# Quotes *not* in the Bible

This is a list of popular ideas that aren't present in the Bible. Sometimes the theology is similar, but it is often *not* Christian at all.

All men are created equal.

- Originally from the USA's *Declaration of Independence*.
- We are created in God's image and have inherent value as humans ([Galatians 3:28](https://biblehub.com/galatians/3-28.htm)).

Bad things happen to good people.

- Originally an American proverb.
- Nobody is good ([Romans 3:10](https://biblehub.com/romans/3-10.htm)), and God will judge all of us ([Ecclesiastes 3:16-20](https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3.htm)).

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

- Originally an ancient proverb.
- While the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, hygiene has nothing to do with spirituality ([1 Corinthians 6:19](https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/6-19.htm)).

Follow your heart.

- An American proverb, history unknown but popularized by many Disney movies.
- Our hearts are thoroughly deceitful ([Jeremiah 17:9-10](https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/17.htm)).

God helps those who help themselves.

- Originally, a Greek proverb within multiple tragedies.
- All Christians are helpless before salvation and asked to put themselves to death before God ([Matthew 16:24](https://biblehub.com/matthew/16-24.htm), [Romans 5:6](https://biblehub.com/romans/5-6.htm)).

God loves you just the way you are.

- A popular inspirational quote in the USA.
- God loves you so much that He doesn't want you to *stay* the way you are ([Matthew 16:24--25](https://biblehub.com/matthew/16.htm)).

God wants me to be happy / God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

- Originally a popular saying from the Four Spiritual Laws [Gospel](jesus-gospel.md) presentation.
- God *will* work everything for good for those who love Him and whom He calls for His purpose ([Romans 8:28](https://biblehub.com/romans/8-28.htm)).

God won't give you more than you can handle.

- A popular Christian proverb.
- For the sake of strengthening faith, God *frequently* gives Christians things they can't handle ([2 Corinthians 1:8](https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/1-8.htm)).

Judge not, that you not be judged.

- Originally in [Matthew 7:1](https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-1.htm) in a long list of beatitudes, usually implying it's inappropriate to hold an opinion of someone.
- Only give judgment after first examining our lives for hypocrisy ([John 7:24](https://biblehub.com/john/7-24.htm)).

We all worship the same God.

- An American proverb.
- There are no other gods like God, though you'll see [many imitations](religion.md) and [cults](cults.md) ([Deuteronomy 4:39](https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/4-39.htm)).

We are all God's children.

- A popular religious saying.
- Only Christians become adopted children of God ([Romans 8:15--16](https://biblehub.com/bsb/romans/8.htm), [Galatians 3:26--29](https://biblehub.com/bsb/galatians/3.htm)).

We're all going to the same place when we die.

- A misapplication of [Ecclesiastes 3:20](https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm).
- We technically are going to the Great White Throne Judgment together, but Christians and non-believers will part ways afterward ([Revelation 20:11--15](https://biblehub.com/bsb/revelation/20.htm)).

When God closes a door, He opens a window.

- An American proverb from the film The Sound of Music.
- God *does* provide a way, but it must conform to [His will](god-will.md).

When you die, God gets another angel.

- An American proverb permuted from the American film It's a Wonderful Life.
- The angels long to understand the relationship humans have with God ([1 Peter 1:12](https://biblehub.com/1_peter/1-12.htm)).