I do not think it means what you think it means.

Bible verses require context.

Yes, the title is from “The Princes Bride,” one of the all-time best movies.

I admit that I am afflicted with bad jokes. Sometimes they spill over into my conversations with close Christian friends. Someone will say, “Quote your favorite verse!” I immediately respond with Job 1:9, “His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’” Because they know me (I wouldn’t say it, otherwise), they laugh. They know I’m making a point. Bible verses require context.

Everyone has misunderstood a Bible verse at times. And I’m sure we all want to know the real meaning, and we welcome anyone who gently shows us the truth. But there are some misquoted verses that seem to have taken on a life of their own!

Two Examples

Matthew 7:1 may be the winner for having the most sermons preached out of context. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” What it does not mean is that Christians must not judge right from wrong, good from evil, sin from righteousness, or good ideas from bad ideas.

Apostle Paul judged “Hymenaeus and Alexander” in 1 Timothy 1:18-20, and in Acts 13:11, Paul tells a false prophet, "Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time." Paul had no problem with judging a situation and dealing with it.

In Matthew 7:1, Jesus is not telling us not to be discerning - sorry for the double negative. The context here is that we should refrain from making critical or condemning judgments about people, even politicians! Jesus is addressing the tendency people have to harshly or hypocritically judge others. Back when I held business meetings, I used to remind everyone to judge ideas, but never denigrate anyone.

Another misquoted verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This does not mean we will succeed in business, become heart surgeons, or turn into champion golfers because we can do all things! God may have these things in store for you, but it won’t be based on this verse.

The context of “I can do all things…” is found in the whole paragraph.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:10-13 NIV

The message is that we can be useful to God, regardless of our circumstances. We should rest in God, trust His providence, and avoid trying to fix things by our own strength.

Wrapping Up

I’m sure you know many misquoted verses, and we’ve not considered all of the homemade scriptures. I just want to remind us to be reverent when handling Scripture. There are many misquoted verses that harm young Christians. All the messages in the Bible have great value. They are worth learning their true meaning, and there is no need for us to embellish them.