I thought I would start today’s article off with a little “True or False” Quiz. Mark each statement accordingly, as to whether or not it is found in the BIBLE:

Got ‘em all answered? Well, the answers are below so let’s see how you did!

How did you do? I dare say you especially had trouble with #s 1 and 5! Let’s take a look at each one individually.

• The Lion shall lay down with the Lamb.

Actually, this comes from the song “There will be Peace in the Valley.” It does say in Is. 11:6 that “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb,” but nothing about the Lion and the Lamb!”

• A House divided shall not stand.

Many Historians will tell you that it was Abe Lincoln who said this one. And, Abe did say it, but he was quoting from Mt. 12:25b, “… every city or house divided against itself cannot stand.”

• Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Interestingly enough, this comes from a 1778 sermon by none other than John Wesley! There is also some evidence that it may have appeared in the TALMUD, but nowhere in the BIBLE!

• God helps those who help themselves.

Our old friend Ben Franklin used this adage in his POOR RICHARD’S ALMANAC, but it did not come from the BIBLE. The closest might be James 2:17 – Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

• Spare the rod and spoil the child.

Proverbs 22:15 is close, but no cigar! What the verse actually says is, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Pretty interesting, huh? I dare say a vast majority of you missed #1, and even more of you missed #5! And that, my friends, is why this is a Thought Provoker: We cannot assume that just because someone, nay everyone!, maintains that the BIBLE says something that it actually does! It is our responsibility to read the BIBLE diligently to determine what it says for ourselves, and then we accurately know GOD’S GOOD NEWS.

So, as my parting thought, does the BIBLE really say that money is the root of all evil?