Yesterday I put out the quote “say what you mean and mean what you say.” Even though this famous saying is not in the Bible, you can argue that it’s Biblical.

The contrast to this quote is to “say what you don’t mean, and don’t mean what you say.” Yes, hypocrisy.

In both the Old Testament and New Testament sincerity is a sign of righteousness, and hypocrisy is a sign of wickedness. The “say what you mean” quote is based upon this truth out of the scriptures. In Matthew 5:33 Jesus quotes the Law in Leviticus saying, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord’.” But then he continued that we should not swear at all:

“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” – Matthew 5:37 KJV. Or in other words, say what you mean.

This is underscored in the Book of James: “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. – James 5:12 KJV

If you say “yes”, then let it be “yes”. If you say “no”, then let it be “no”. Mean what you say, say what you mean. Otherwise, it is evil and leads to condemnation.

Today’s famous quote is about being straight with yourself and others.

Is the quote “say what you mean and mean what you say” from the Bible or not?

Do you know it origins and who said it? Leave a comment to let our readers know. I promise to follow up with more on this famous saying.

Is this quote in the Bible? And whether it is in the Bible or not, is it true?

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

If our hearts and intentions are good and true, are we bound for Hell? Then why should we try to do the right thing? Why follow God? Why accept and serve Jesus Christ? Are not all of our actions based upon our intentions? Or, is this quote indicative of human hypocrisy? Many people outwardly claim good intentions, but inwardly are sinful and self-serving?

The origin of this quote is likely from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in the 10th Century AD originally quoted as “Hell is full of good intentions or desires.” It has evolved over the centuries and today’s version of “The road to Hell…” is typically attributed to John Ray in 1670.

What do you think it means?