13 Black Church Sayings That Aren’t Actually in the Bible – The Root

As Black folks, we have no shortage of sayings that have been passed down as gospel—especially those we heard growing up in the church. From “God don’t like ugly” to “cleanliness is next to godliness,” these sayings were repeated so often that we never questioned their biblical origins. While these generational words of wisdom certainly put the fear of God in our hearts, the gag is, much of it isn’t actually Scripture.

Many of these sayings were rooted in the general idea of Scripture. Others were borrowed from historical teachings, but were remixed for easy digestion or simplified over time. So, we gathered 13 of our most common Black church quotes to break down which are biblical, what the original teachings actually meant, and which have been diluted into sayings of their own.

“God Don’t Like Ugly”

Starting out strong—”God don’t like ugly” is not a bible verse. But it got our tails in line! Perhaps this was inspired by Galatians 6:7, which teaches that a man “reaps what he sows.” In other words, bad behavior will eventually catch up with you. 

Related: What Happened To the Black Church Choirs? The Answer: Praise Teams

“God Is Good All the Time, and All the Time God Is Good“

This saying brings Black folks together in almost any room! While the saying isn’t biblical, it offers the reassurance that, in the end, God remains good and faithful. That sentiment is certainly biblical, with God’s goodness appearing throughout Scripture, including in Genesis and Mark 10:18, where Jesus emphasizes that God alone is truly good. We just put some swag on it.

“Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness”

This one has been preached over generations like it came straight out of Leviticus. It didn’t. While the Old Testament had particular teachings for those considered “clean” and “unclean,” it had nothing to do with cleaning our rooms. But it worked!

“The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways”

You won’t find this in the Good Book, but it is a popular expression used to explain that God’s plans may not always be clear or understandable to us. If you’re searching for that connection, scripture says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…” in Isaiah 55:8.

“Let Go and Let God”

Whew, our elders cooked with this one! But it’s not Scripture. The inspiration behind this one is “Do not be afraid,” or “fear not,” which is quoted about 365 times in the Bible.

“God Makes a Way Out of No Way”

Deeply rooted in Black religious language, this isn’t a direct Bible verse. But if you need that biblical connection, look to Daniel, when he and his friends are thrown into a fiery furnace. Spoiler alert: God makes a way, and they survive.

“This Too Shall Pass”

The sentiment is biblical, but the famous phrase itself isn’t actually in the Bible. A few stories credit the common phrase to Jewish legends about King Solomon, who was politically and spiritually embattled despite his wisdom and wealth.

“If He Brought You to It—He’ll Bring You Through It”

I’m convinced this one was carefully crafted specifically for those “turn to your neighbor and tell them…” moments. But you won’t find these exact words in the Bible. If you’re searching for clarification, flip to Isaiah 43:2, which says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.”

“God Gives His Toughest Battles to His Strongest Soldiers”

Here’s another commonly remixed saying. While this quote isn’t exactly biblical, the saying is meant to offer comfort during difficult times. For clarification, refer to 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says: “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

“What God Has for You Is for You”

This one feels like it should be a verse, but it’s more of a modern Christian aphorism built around biblical themes than a direct Scripture quote. Still, Scripture gives us plenty of examples of God’s promises and blessings being fulfilled, despite the obstacles in the way along our journey.

“Money Is the Root of All Evil”

Now, this one is biblical—but often misquoted. It is especially interesting because it’s a twisted take on 1 Timothy 6:10, which says that the “love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”—not money itself. 

“God Knows My Heart”

This one typically starts with us looking at our friend sideways! Folks tend to say “God knows my heart” when we’re cutting up, doing something we have no business doing. That said, it is biblical. For example, 1 Samuel 16:7 says “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart”—meaning folks around you may not understand, but God does.

“No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper”

This common saying is absolutely biblical, coming from Isaiah 54:17. And yes, Black folks have been quoting it with their whole chest for generations—usually when trouble is around the corner. The quote is a declaration through faith that trials and hardship won’t have a final say in your story.