It is essential that when we speak about matters related to faith, we take responsibility to distinguish between what the Bible truly teaches and what are merely popular sayings or human interpretations. Many times, phrases are heard that sound spiritual but do not appear in Scripture. As believers, we must be careful when affirming that something is in the Word of God if we have not verified it. The Bible is perfect, inspired, and without error; therefore, it deserves to be cited with respect, study, and reverence.
These are only sayings that preachers sometimes repeat; the problem arises when, due to a lack of biblical knowledge or careful reading, some come to believe that they come from Scripture. What begins as a well-intentioned phrase can end up confusing others about the truth of the Gospel. That is why it is crucial to return to the biblical text, compare, read the context, and avoid turning traditions or customs into doctrine. Teaching involves a great responsibility before God and the church.
Below we present 10 things that are preached and that are not in the Bible. These sayings are often preached both in the church and in other settings where the Word of the Lord is shared. Before exhorting, make sure to study wisely and carefully verify what you affirm, so that the preaching is faithful to the truth and edifies the listener. The Bible calls us to handle the Word of truth diligently, without adding or taking away, in order to honor the Lord in everything.
1. “God helps those who help themselves”
This phrase is constantly repeated in many pulpits and conversations, but it does not appear in the Bible. In fact, Scripture teaches the opposite: that God helps the humble, the needy, and those who depend on Him. Psalm 121:2 says: “My help comes from the Lord.” True divine help does not depend on human effort, but on an attitude of faith and total dependence.
2. “All roads lead to God”
This statement sounds inclusive, but it completely contradicts the message of Christ. Jesus Himself declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The Bible teaches that there is only one mediator between God and men: Jesus Christ. Not all roads lead to heaven, only one: the way of faith in the Son of God.
3. “Money is the root of all evil”
Many quote this text incorrectly. The Bible does not say that money is evil, but that “the love of money” is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Money is a neutral tool, but when it takes the place of God in the heart, it becomes a destructive idol.
4. “Heaven gained an angel”
When someone dies, it is often said that they “grew wings” or “became an angel.” However, the Bible teaches that human beings and angels are distinct creations. The redeemed do not transform into angels, but will receive glorified bodies and live eternally with God (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).
5. “God will never give you more than you can handle”
Although it sounds encouraging, this phrase is not found in Scripture. What 1 Corinthians 10:13 says is that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, but it does not refer to the trials of life. At times, God allows impossible burdens so that we may learn to depend on Him and not on our own strength.
6. “A Christian cannot suffer”
Some modern preachings teach that if you have faith, you will not suffer. However, the Bible is full of examples of faithful believers who went through pain and tribulation. Jesus Himself said: “In the world you will have tribulation; but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Suffering does not negate faith; it strengthens it.
7. “If you have faith, you will never have financial problems”
The so-called “prosperity gospel” has distorted the true message of Christ. Faith does not guarantee material wealth, but a life of contentment and dependence on God. Paul learned to live in abundance and in need (Philippians 4:12). God’s blessings are spiritual before they are material.
8. “Good people will go to heaven”
This is a popular but unbiblical belief. Salvation does not depend on how “good” our works are, but on the grace of God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). No one can earn heaven by personal merit; only the sacrifice of Jesus opens the door to eternal life.
9. “You must declare with your mouth what you desire and it will come to pass”
Many modern preachers promote the idea of the “power of words,” as if human beings could create reality simply by declaring it. But only God has absolute creative power. The believer may pray and confess with faith, but must always say: “Your will be done.” True faith trusts in what God wants, not in what one desires.
10. “God wants everyone to be happy”
God is not primarily interested in our temporary happiness, but in our eternal holiness. Happiness is a result, not the purpose. The Bible teaches that we were called to be holy, not merely happy (1 Peter 1:16). God desires to shape our character, not just give us comfort.
Conclusion
As believers, we must learn to distinguish between human traditions and the eternal truths of the Word of God. Many popular phrases sound correct, but when analyzed in the light of Scripture, we discover that they have no biblical foundation. True wisdom comes from constant study, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not just about repeating what we have heard, but about examining the truth with humility and discernment. May every teaching, every sermon, and every conversation always point to Christ, who is the source of all truth and the only way that leads to salvation.