Portrait of Martin Luther

Martin Luther

Leader of the Protestant Reformation

Early Modern influential 281 sayings

Sayings by Martin Luther

The more we are afflicted in this world, the more we are conformed to Christ.

1530s — General theological teaching.
Wisdom Unverifiable

When I am assailed by temptation, I find it good to eat, drink, and be merry, so that I may not be alone with the devil.

1530s-1540s — From 'Table Talk'.
Life & Death Unverifiable

I am nothing but a poor, stinking bag of worms.

1530s — Expressing humility and awareness of human frailty.
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

The greatest danger to the church is when it is rich.

1530s — General observation.
Biblical Unverifiable

He who lets himself be led by reason will never escape sin.

1530s-1540s — From 'Table Talk'.
Wisdom Unverifiable

The more you read the Bible, the more you will understand it.

1530s — General encouragement for Bible study.
Biblical Unverifiable

I would not give my faith for all the world's goods.

1520s — Expressing the value of his faith.
Biblical Unverifiable

The Devil is a great artist, but he has no colors.

1530s-1540s — From 'Table Talk'.
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

God created the world out of nothing, and so long as we are nothing, he can make something out of us.

1530s — General theological teaching.
Biblical Unverifiable

I never learned anything by being told, but only by doing.

1530s — General reflection on learning.
Educational Unverifiable

It is not the business of the government to preach the gospel.

1520s — General statement on church-state relations.
Biblical Unverifiable

The best way to worship God is to do your duty.

1530s — General ethical teaching.
Biblical Unverifiable

I have been so busy with writing that I have not had time to pray.

1520s — From a letter, highlighting his struggles with time management.
Biblical Unverifiable

Where God builds a church, the Devil builds a chapel.

1530s-1540s — From 'Table Talk'.
Biblical Unverifiable

I am like a ripe nut; I am ready to fall.

1540s — Expressing his sense of approaching death.
Wisdom Unverifiable

The best way to preach is to get down to the level of the people.

1530s — General advice on preaching.
Wisdom Unverifiable

And so, dear Christian, beware of the Jews . . . you can see how God's wrath has consigned them to the Devil, who has robbed them not only of a proper understanding of the Scriptures, but also of common human reason, modesty and sense. . . . Thus, when you see a real Jew you may with a good conscience cross yourself, and boldly say, “There goes the Devil incarnate.”

1543 — On the Jews and Their Lies
Religious Unverifiable

First, to set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them. This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom, so that God might see that we are Christians, and do not condone or knowingly tolerate such public lying, cursing, and blaspheming of his Son and of his Christians.

1543 — On the Jews and Their Lies
Religious Unverifiable

Their houses also should be razed and destroyed. For they pursue in them the same aims as in their synagogues. Instead they might be lodged under a roof or in a barn, like the Gypsies.

1543 — On the Jews and Their Lies
War & Violence Unverifiable

Their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught, should be taken from them.

1543 — On the Jews and Their Lies
Religious Unverifiable
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