The Road to Hell is Paved With Good Intentions
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?
9 comments
What does human concept have to do with our eternal destiny? St Bernard should have his statement(s) elaborated. At this juncture, it goes to further reinforce numerous Bliblical quotes, at least ,on this thought of one believer e.g. St Bernard, that divine convictions well-up from God Himself alone. Proverbs 14:12; 16:2, 25 prove just as real to human experience. King Solomon’s wisdom poured out from God’s revelations, the which we can glean eternal truths, he being God’s vessel, his writings became the believers’ ultimate reference to all manner of human’s final appeal on truth, righteousness and justice. Ecclesiastes 12:14 wrapped up the issue of all question concerning good, right and justice against evil, unrighteousness and iniquity, God remains the judge of man’s final appeal.
When we live by our human intentions, we are destined for failure because our actions are not spirit led. If our actions are driven by God’s will, we will have favor because our flesh driven intentions (no matter how noble) are no longer impeding us.
[...] it right by pure coincidence, but not as the result of any intent of design. And when you ascribe even good intentions you end up with lies reinforced by the certainty of the approval of a conscience of faith. Unless [...]
I am guilty of this type of thinking more often than I’d like to admit. I have great intentions many times, but do not always follow through with them. I think we’re all a work in progress in that regard. Some more than others. It’s what you actually DO in a positive light that makes the most difference in the world. Not what you’d like to get around to doing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Join the crowd,I think we all fall short of what we intend. Even the Apostle Paul said “I do those things which I shouldn’t, and do not do those things that I should” (paraphrase). But you are right, it’s about taking those good intentions and turning them into good actions. Let’s lose the excuses.
My view is that it has to do with an expected outcome and what is in a persons heart, which only God knows. Is the person making some kind of attempt to influence others? If so, the test is not whether it sounds good, but is it good?
It means that Salvation is by faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. No good works or good intentions can earn our way to heaven.
Great comment. No nonsense, straight and to the point.
Mike Curtin is right! God’s ways are not our ways and when we operate by our own understanding we can get things seriously wrong even though our intentions may be honourable in our sight.
I believe that is what is happening today when we think we know better than God with regard to Marriage and Abortion etc
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