Chimney corner scriptures
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
There are many sayings and phrases attributed to the Bible that are simply NOT found there. For example: One lady was telling of her many problems and how she managed them. She said, “Well, you know what the Bible says, ‘Grin and bear it.’” When asked where the Bible says such a thing she replied, “I don’t rightly know, but I think it is in Paul’s letter to the Deuteronomite!”
This is a classic example of Bible ignorance and a good example of attributing something to the Bible which is not found in it. All will agree that the advice, “Grin and bear it,” is good, but it is not found in the Bible!
We need to study the Bible carefully and find out whether these supposed scriptures are actually found
in the Bible. We need to be like the Bereans whom we read about in Acts 17:11, “Now these were more
noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.”
These people even checked up on the teaching of the Lord’s apostles, and they were commended for their action by the apostle Paul.
Let’s notice a few of these sayings and handed down ideas that many believe to be “Scripture.”
1) “Every Tub Must Stand On Its Own Bottom.” This saying is NOT found in the Bible! The
principle that we are individually responsible is taught in Romans 14:12, but not using these words.
2) “Honest Confession is Good for the Soul!” This saying is good and true, but it is NOT found in the Word of God. I John 1:9 and James 5:16 both teach the necessity of God’s children confessing their sins to God and one another.
3) “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness.” While most will agree that cleanliness is important, this quotation is NOT found anywhere in the Bible!
4) “Spare the rod and Spoil the Child.” While this principle is true, it is NOT found in Scripture.
Physical discipline is taught in passages such as Proverbs 13:24 and 22:15.
5) “God Helps Those who Help Themselves.” This principle is no doubt correct, but it is NOT found
in the Bible!
6) “God Works in Mysterious Ways – His Wonders to Behold.” Some of God’s ways are unknown
and past finding out (Deuteronomy 29:29), but this saying is nowhere to be found in God’s Word.
7) “Let Your Conscience be Your Guide.” Not only is this NOT in the Bible, but it is contrary to the teaching of the Bible. Saul, a persecutor of Christians, said that he had lived “in all good conscience” (Acts 23:1). The teachings of Christ, the New Testament, must be our guide, our sole rule of faith and practice (II Timothy 3:16-17).
We must study God’s word in order to distinguish true “scripture” from folklore! My friends, let’s
stop accepting these “chimney corner scriptures” and begin to “search the Scriptures” (Acts 17:11)!
You are invited to Bible study and worship at the Rockford Church of Christ each Sunday morning at 9:00 and 10:00. We are located just down from the Dollar General. God bless you as you study the Bible.
