Phrases and Cliches - straight out of the Bible

[Andyindauk]

You might have noticed that in everyday English, common phrases have been pulled straight out of the Bible and applied to a current situation, usually out of context. Can you think of any examples?

I'll start with - the left hand doesn't know what the right hand's doing. Mathew 6:3. Usually applied to describe an organisation with dysfunctional communication. A mile away from Jesus's advice on charitable giving.

Your turn now

 

[Waggles]

"There is no rest for the wicked" - is what worldly people say.
Meaning that those who are up to mischief do so at night.
from
Isaiah 48:22 “There is no peace,” says YHWH, “for the wicked.”
also repeated in Isaiah 57.21

 

[Waggles]

A classic claim used by parents is - "A little birdie came and told me."
This phrase is used by parents to keep secret their sources of info.
It comes from Ecclesiastes
Ecc 10:20 Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king, nor in your bedroom curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.

Again used by Tolkien in his 'Lord of The Rings' story in which Gandalf the Grey warns the Hobbits about speaking too much as even the birds are spies for Saruman.

 

[Andyindauk]

Here's another one: 'blind leading the blind,' which is closer to the scripture than most contemporary clichés lifted from the Bible. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 15:14 NIV

 

[Hekuran]

Spot the odd one out

Pearls before swine
Baptism of fire
Nothing new under the sun
Reap the whirlwind
When God closes a door, he opens a window.

 

[Brad Huber]

You are going to reap the whirlwind.
Hosea 8:7

For they sow the wind And they reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; It yields no grain. Should it yield, strangers would swallow it up.

 

[theLeadmonger]

"Behold, I come as a thief in the night."

 

[Andyindauk]

A wolf in sheep's clothing. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Bill]

"Oh Lord" as in exasperation