… the apple of my eye…
… the blind leading the blind…
… a bottomless pit…
… by the skin of my teeth…
… carved in stone…
… a drop in the bucket…
… going to the dogs…
… a millstone around one’s neck…
… spare the rod and spoil the child…
… the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak… These are among more than 150 familiar expressions found in the Bible that have become part of our everyday conversation. But few people know their source and background.

Not only is this fascinating reading, it is also a valuable resource for preachers, teachers, lay leaders, and those who are interested in tracing the history of folklore. These expressions and their explanations can become the source of entertainment, information, and inspiration.

Ellis Dillard Thompson holds B.S., M.A., and Ed.S. degrees from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. He was minister of music for thirty years at churches in Indiana and Tennessee. Thompson is the writer of numerous magazine articles. He served as editor of a church newspaper for three years and is the author of Fire For The Choir, a handbook on motivation for church music directors. Thompson has taught in public schools as well as on college faculties, including at the University of Evansville and Middle Tennessee State University. A professional woodwind player, Thompson has performed in symphony orchestras, on radio, in television, and on recordings. He is a published composer and arranger. His choral response Thy peace for us is included in four hymnals.