This popular phrase is influenced by the Proverbs 23:7 text — “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (NKJV)
This text is a favourite stomping ground for “think it, do it” sermons. The point usually made from the same is that you can become whatever you believe to be true about yourself. While the Bible DOES encourage a positive outlook to life, deriving such conclusions from this text is rather out of place.
A good Bible student would first of all seek to find out who the “he” being referred to is. Reading the FULL text is always beneficial;
Proverbs 23:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Do not eat the bread of A MISER, nor desire his delicacies; 7 For as HE thinks in HIS heart, so is HE.
“Eat and drink!” HE says to you, but HIS heart is not with you. 8 The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, and waste your pleasant words.
It is apparent that the “he” to whom the author refers is a miser. The word “miser” literally means “one who has an evil eye” in the Hebrew. His malicious intents are masked behind a demeanor of cordiality — he gives you to eat when in reality, he detests you. What he thinks inwardly is who he REALLY is. Nothing in the text refers to “thinking it and doing it.” It is actually a warning to be mindful of hypocrites!
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2020.
