Category — Classic Wisdom Quotes

There’s a song from back in the 60′s that quite possibly could have been inspired by today’s quote: Simon and Garfunkel released I Am a Rock (I Am an Island) in 1966. The song takes the defiant position that a man can be an island, in contrast to the quote “no man is an island”. It’s a song about loneliness and one way to deal with it. But is the idea that no man is an island Biblical?

“No Man is an Island Entire of Itself.” – John Donne’s Meditation no. 17 – 1624

In the Bible we do find passages that support this idea. In the Book of Hebrews we read that we should consider one another  in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:24 NKJV). In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches us that the world will know that we are His disciples by the love we show one another (John 13:34-35). From the Old Testament with the regular gatherings at the temple, through the New Testament with the saints gathering on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2), it is clear that God has intended us to to gather and associate with fellow believers. How else could we love and serve one another unless we spend time together? That is a significant function of the Church.

I would conclude that Biblical speaking, that indeed no man is an island, and God has not intended anyone to be an island entire of itself. From an entertainment standpoint, here is a vintage black and white video from 1966 of Simon & Garfunkel performing I Am a Rock I Am and Island – talk about a throwback! Enjoy!

More about John Donne’s Meditations

John Donne was a medieval writer, lawyer and priest born January 21, 1572 in London, England. During his life he wrote sermons, satire, elegy and love poems. In 1624 he wrote his Meditation XVII (17) that contains the famous “no man is an island” quote and also another famous quote, “because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”. John Donne went on to write a total of 23 meditations before he died on March 31, 1631 at the age of 59.

For those who would like to see more of John Donne’s writings, I found a complete list of the works of John Donne here.

Today’s Bible or Not quote is well-known contemporary wisdom, but its origin goes back to ancient times. A universal concept throughout history is the idea to do those thing which are good, and to shun those things which are evil. The maxim of the 3 Wise Monkeys conveys this concept in a very simplified visual.

“Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil.” – Bible or Not?

The Three 3 Wise Monkeys Carving at the Toshogu Shrine in Japan

No, the proverb of the 3 wise monkeys, namely “hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil” is not from the Bible. The origin of the quote, as depicted by the above ancient carving, goes back to the 17th century. But depending on your sources, its origin can also be traced as far back as the 8th century originating in China. The theory is that it originally came from Confucius’s Code of Conduct, but without the famous picture of the 3 monkeys. You can read more about the origins of the three monkeys maxim at Wikpedia.

So what does this quote have to do with the Bible? Well for sure, the Bible teaches to do no evil. As a matter of fact, in the book of Thessalonians we see, “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 NKJV). Here are some particular verse that support each of the “do nots” of the three monkeys:

Hear No Evil
The Psalmist teaches us, in the very first verse of the Book of Psalms, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalms 1:1 NKJV. Therefore, do not listen to ungodly counsel, or in other words, hear no evil.

Speak No Evil
The Apostle Paul admonished the saints in Ephesus to speak purely: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29 KJV

See No Evil
Jesus Himself, when it comes  to “seeing no evil”, teaches us to go to extremes to keep our eyes from causing us to sin: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” – Matthew 5:29 NKJV

 So there we have it; the 3 wise monkeys in not in the Bible, but nevertheless, the saying itself has merit and can be supported by the Bible. Do you have any verses that support this? Feel free to leave additional Bible verses about hearing, speaking, seeing and doing no evil by submitting your comments.

Today’s quote on classic wisdom could very well be a Bible quote right out of the book of Proverbs, or even the New Testament. It is however from Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, a 19th century German writer and novelist .

“In youth we learn; in age we understand.” – Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830 – 1916)

How many times have you said to yourself, “if only I knew what I know now, when I was young”? Or fantasize about going back in time, getting about 20 or 30 years younger but retaining your knowledge and wisdom. Yes, older folks do tend to do that. If you’re still young you probably think you still have plenty of time – surprise! – you don’t.

In the Bible we see many examples of the importance of learning wisdom, especially when we are young, but alas it usually takes time and years to begin to get it. In Proverbs Solomon instructs his sons to learn wisdom, follow instruction and gain understanding.

“My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding.” – Proverbs 5:1 NKJV

Also, oftentimes adults still think as children, not having the maturity required of wisdom. As Paul puts it in his letter to the Corinthians:

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

So, as a young person, try to learn wisdom and gain understanding as much as you can while you are still young. And if you are older, hopefully you’ve gained a measure of wisdom, but don’t stop now there’s plenty more to be had.

See more Bible or Not blog posts on Classic Wisdom Quotes.