Common misinterpretations

"Money is the root of all evil."

1 Timothy 6:10 says the love of money is the root of all evil. Money is a tool; the warning is about a heart that craves it. The verse continues: those who covet after it "have erred from the faith."

"Judge not" means never call anything wrong.

Matthew 7:1–5 condemns hypocritical judgment — the beam in your own eye. Jesus then says to remove the beam so you can see clearly to help your brother, and John 7:24 commands us to "judge righteous judgment."

"God won't give you more than you can handle."

1 Corinthians 10:13 is about temptation — God always provides a way of escape from sin. Scripture is full of saints overwhelmed beyond their strength (2 Corinthians 1:8), which is exactly what drives us to lean on God rather than ourselves.

"I know the plans I have for you" is a personal promise of prosperity.

Jeremiah 29:11 was written to Israel in Babylonian exile, promising restoration after seventy years. It reveals God's faithful character — but it promised his people hope through hardship, not a detour around it.

"Where two or three are gathered" means God shows up when enough people pray.

Matthew 18:20 sits in a passage about church discipline and agreement between believers. God is present with even one believer always (Matthew 28:20) — this verse is about Christ's authority confirmed among his gathered people.

"I can do all things through Christ" guarantees success at anything I attempt.

In Philippians 4:13 Paul is speaking of contentment — he had learned to endure both abundance and hunger. The strength promised is grace to be faithful in any circumstance, not power to achieve any ambition.