# Is “To thine own self be true” in the Bible?

> No. “To thine own self be true” is not in the Bible.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/to-thine-own-self-be-true
By Andrew Kittridge · October 28, 2026

It is Shakespeare, not Scripture. Jeremiah 17:9 is far less confident in the heart, and Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust Yahweh rather than depend on your own understanding.

Not in the Bible. Origin: Polonius, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

## What the Bible says instead

> The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and it is incurably sick. Who can know it?
>
> — [Jeremiah 17:9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/jeremiah/17#9) (Lumin Translation)

> Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths smooth.
>
> — [Proverbs 3:5-6](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/3#5) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “To thine own self be true” in the Bible?

No. “To thine own self be true” is not in the Bible. It is Shakespeare, not Scripture. Jeremiah 17:9 is far less confident in the heart, and Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust Yahweh rather than depend on your own understanding.

### Where does “To thine own self be true” come from?

Polonius, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

### What does the Bible say instead?

Read Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 3:5-6. It is Shakespeare, not Scripture. Jeremiah 17:9 is far less confident in the heart, and Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust Yahweh rather than depend on your own understanding.

## More

- [Is “The eyes are the window to the soul” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-eyes-are-the-window-to-the-soul.md)
- [Is “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-road-to-hell-is-paved-with-good-intentions.md)
- [Is “The seven deadly sins” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-seven-deadly-sins.md)
- [Is “Christian” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/christian.md)
- [Is “Easter” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/easter.md)
- [Is “Lucifer” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/lucifer.md)
- [Is “Santa” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/santa.md)
- [Is “Yahweh” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/yahweh.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)