The answer is: Not

Maya Angelou

Although Maya Angelou's wise sentiment on forgiveness isn't a direct quote from the Bible, it carries a reflective truth found extensively within its pages. In many ways, her message mirrors key biblical themes. Just think of how many times forgiveness pops up throughout scripture! Take, for instance, Jesus' teachings in the New Testament—He often emphasized forgiveness, stating in Matthew 6:14 that if we forgive others their trespasses, our own will be forgiven. It's a cyclical gift that blesses the giver as much as the receiver.

For millions of individuals, the capacity to forgive can feel almost sacred, and its significance isn't confined just to human relationships. In Isaiah, we see God’s compassion marvelously portrayed, where God’s forgiving nature echoes His desire for His people to mirror that same grace in their lives. Echoes of forgiveness can be found not only parables like the Prodigal Son but also in psalms of repentance.

Furthermore, interestingly enough, contemporary psychology backs up this ancient wisdom: those who practice forgiveness discover higher levels of peace and happiness in their lives. Truly, forgiveness isn’t just a gesture—it’s often viewed as a spiritual or moral exercise, threading human experience back to age-old values found in sacred texts. So, while Maya might not be quoting the Good Book directly, the universality of her message reflects biblical principles, reminding us of forgiveness's transformative power, not as a mere obligation but as a healing balm for the soul.