In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
— Genesis 1:1
This opening statement of the Bible sets the stage for the creation narrative, establishing God's role as the ultimate creator of all things in existence.
Wisdom Category
Bible Quotes
Ancient wisdom and spiritual guidance from the world's most influential book
35 Curated Quotes
The Bible is the great family chronicle of the Jews
— Heinrich Heine (1797-1856), German poet, Letters from Berlin, 1827
Heine articulates his view on the Bible as not just sacred scripture but also as a historical document that chronicles Jewish ancestry and their covenant with God.
Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face
— Address to the National Association of Evangelicals, 1983
Ronald Reagan articulates his belief that the Bible contains moral and spiritual guidance pertinent to every human dilemma, illustrating its timeless relevance.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
— Proverbs 3:5
Encouraging believers to place complete trust and confidence in God's wisdom and guidance rather than solely relying on human reason and understanding.
The Bible has been the Magna Carta of the poor and of the oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it.
— On the Influence of the Bible
Thomas Huxley discusses the Bible's role as a foundational text that has long guided and impacted the lives of the impoverished and marginalized.
The Bible is the portrait of Jesus Christ, bringing the Savior's life and teachings vividly to light
— Sermon on the Mount Lecture, 1530
Luther emphasizes the New Testament's role in conveying the essence of Christ, portraying him as central to the scriptural narrative.
Begin by reading the Book! Leave off all other books. Keep to the Book! The Book! The Book! The Book!
— General reference to the Bible as crucial reading
Richard Sibbes emphasized the importance of prioritizing the Bible above all other literature.
In its pages lie the answers to the questions that lie within every human heart
— As told to Edward Le Joly, The Joy in Loving, 1996
Mother Teresa saw the Bible as holding universal truths that address the core of human experience and existential queries.
I go where there is no path, and I leave a trail of stories that seem to connect thousands of years, just like the Bible
— Reflections on environment and spirituality
Williams draws a parallel between storytelling and the Bible, highlighting its enduring impact on culture and history.
The Bible is not simply words, but the Word, as alive today as it was when written
— The Knowledge of the Holy, 1961
A.W. Tozer highlights the dynamic nature of the Bible, seeing it as ever-relevant and active in the lives of believers.
The Bible lives by being constantly translated; it dies when the original meaning is forgotten
— Theology of Culture, published 1959
Paul Tillich emphasizes the importance of context and comprehension in understanding the Bible.
The Bible is the foundation of all education and development.
— Speech, 1930s
B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of the Bible in establishing moral and educational pursuits.
The Bible is not only the story of human history but the story of divine history intervening to influence human events
— The Bible Jesus Read, 1999
Yancey discusses the Bible's dual nature as a record of human events and divine interaction, asserting its significance in understanding both dimensions.
Faith without works is dead
— James 2:26
This emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through actions and deeds. It suggests that belief alone is not enough if it's not manifested through good works.
The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.
— Personal Correspondence
Revolutionary Patrick Henry emphasizes the Bible's unparalleled significance and worth in literature.
The Bible is a book that has been read more and examined less than any book that ever existed.
— The Age of Reason, 1794
Thomas Paine critiques the superficial engagement of many readers with the Bible, emphasizing the need for deeper study.
The Bible is a telescope that sweeps the darkness of the world away, revealing God’s purpose and plan
— Lecture Delivered in 1870
Spurgeon uses the imagery of a telescope to describe the Bible as a tool that provides clarity and insight into divine truths.
If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.
— Sermons on the New Testament
Augustine comments on the selective interpretation of the Bible, urging believers to accept the entirety of the gospel message.
The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world.
— Letter to his youngest child on Christmas Eve
Dickens's personal endorsement of the New Testament highlights its influence and importance even within literary and moral circles.
The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It has changed the course of history and the destiny of nations, inspiring millions who have walked this path.
— Sermon, 20th century
Billy Graham, a renowned evangelist, appreciated the Bible's global influence and its inspirational power.
We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations; the Bible often offers the key to unlocking them
— Insight for Living radio program
Swindoll highlights the Bible's wisdom as a tool for navigating life's challenges.
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone
— Attributed to various Christian teachings
This quote encourages believers to prioritize humility and prayer, asserting that submitting to divine guidance fortifies one's moral and spiritual courage.
All of the good from the Savior of the World is communicated through this Book; but for it we could not know right from wrong.
— General reference to the Bible's moral teachings
Abraham Lincoln highlighted the Bible's role as a moral compass in informing right and wrong.
The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.
— General concept of staying true to Biblical teachings
Dwight L. Moody succinctly illustrates the reciprocal relationship between reading the Bible and resisting sin.
The Bible is not only a book which was once written, but it is a book that is being written; it is written in our hearts.
— General concept of the Bible's ongoing influence
Peter Cameron articulates the enduring and personal impact of the Bible in the lives of its readers.
The Bible in the memory is better than the Bible in the bookcase.
— General concept on internalizing Biblical teachings
Charles Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of internalizing and applying the teachings of the Bible.
Reading the Bible is not where it ends. Living it out is where the real journey begins.
— Sermon, 21st century
This quote highlights the idea that understanding the Bible requires putting its teachings into practice to fully realize its impact.
The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, not the way the heavens go
— Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina in 1615
Galileo asserts the importance of distinguishing theological teachings from scientific explanations, emphasizing the Bible's role in spiritual guidance rather than explaining astronomical phenomena.
The Bible has noble poetry in it; and some good morals and a wealth of obscenity, and upwards of a thousand lies
— Letters from the Earth, written posthumously
Twain's satirical take invites readers to examine the diverse and complex nature of biblical texts.
The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.
— Preface to the Old Testament
Luther illustrates the Bible's role in presenting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as a foundational figure of the Christian faith.
The Bible is not a book to be read, but a life to be lived
— The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, 2004
Covey underscores the transformative influence of applying the teachings of the Bible to everyday life.
The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.
— Personal Writings
Dwight L. Moody, an evangelist, emphasized the transformative impact of the Bible on individual lives.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
— Matthew 6:21
This points at the importance of aligning one's priorities with what truly matters, serving as a reminder to invest in spiritual and eternal values over material ones.
Love your neighbor as yourself
— Mark 12:31
Highlighting the ethical guideline of treating others with the same regard and consideration as one would treat oneself, promoting a society rooted in kindness and empathy.
One of the things that has always surprised me is how some of the most influential atheists also seemed to take the Bible very seriously
— Interview, On Being Podcast, 2014
Krista Tippett observes the paradoxical respect many atheists hold for the Bible, acknowledging its profound cultural and philosophical impact regardless of personal belief.