(Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons)Samuel Butler, 17th century British poet who coined the term "spare the rod, spoil the child" in his satirical poem "Hudibras."
Posted on 09/10/2013 9:30:38 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Bible, long debated as the bestsellingest book of all time, might also be one of the most quoted texts. But how much of what is cited as coming from the Old and New Testaments is actually in the Bible?
This could very well be a paraphrase of Proverbs 13:24, but the statement doesn't really exist in any translation of the Bible. The Bible verse actually reads: "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him."
Samuel Butler, a 17th century British poet, actually coined the phrase "spare the rod and spoil the child" in his satirical poem, "Hudibras" (read it here).
(Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons)Samuel Butler, 17th century British poet who coined the term "spare the rod, spoil the child" in his satirical poem "Hudibras."
This misquote is not too far off from the actual verse, found in 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
While some may want to suggest that this phrase could be a colloquial interpretation from the Book of Proverbs to sum up ungodly behavior, they would be wrong. The phrase, as profound as it may be, is not anywhere in Scripture.
No, Jesus did not say this in the Sermon on the Mount nor in any of his teachings recorded in the Gospels. This Bible misquote might have its root in James 4:8: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
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This phrase, made popular by preacher Dr. Leroy Thompson and frequently chanted during his "Money Cometh to You" conferences is, unfortunately, not in the Bible. The phrase, also picked up by Kenneth Copeland, won't instantaneously attract unexpected income.
Paul, credited with writing many of the New Testament letters, never wrote to the churches in Corinth or Rome declaring Christians to be "blessed and highly favored." As good as the phrase may sound, it's not in the Bible.
This phrase might frequently be heard during sermons, when a preacher has a particular point he or she wants to get across — but, surprisingly, this saying isn't in the Good Book. Christians are admonished throughout Scripture to love their neighbors, but there is nothing in the Bible about turning to your neighbor, high-fiving your neighbor, or touching your neighbor.
This is another passage in which context is key — what things work together for whose good? Romans 8:28 reads in full: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
This might be a universal confession among all Christians, but this phrase is stated nowhere in Scripture. Perhaps the phrase can be linked to Isaiah 55:8: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD."
This phrase often attributed to the Bible is almost correct. The actual verse, found in Proverbs 16:18, actually reads: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Good stuff and true. “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” is particularly galling as a rationale for hitting children.
It’s utterly absurd and unbiblical. No shepherd would beat his sheep. The ‘rod’ in this case is the word of God.
I can’t believe they left out “God helps those who help themselves.”
Reminds me of a line by Gallagher:
“They say that cleanliness is next to godliness, but it ain’t. It’s next to cleaveage, I looked it up!”
Spare the Rod and spoil the child
The father is to teach work and responsibility to his sons, if he does not do that he is withholding the rod and spoiling them and obviously does hate them.
Psalm 23
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die.
Take out the word “may” and it becomes biblical.
A backslider!
Well, the Bible does tell us that conservatives are smart.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.
God helps those that help themselves.
I am my brother's keeper.
I hope I don’t need a sarcasm tag on that... ;-)
Thou who cureth, can maketh ill.
“God moves in mysterious ways”
This comes from a hymn, by William Cowper (1731–1800). I didn’t know anyone attributed this to a scripture
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
William Cowper was a British poet and hymnist. He struggled throughout his life with depression, doubts, and fears.
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