Why do people say "God helps those who help themselves"?

Question

What is that supposed to mean??????? It's sure not in the Bible...

Answer 1

It comes from Greek mythology and the story of Hercules. But most Christians have no clue about what the Bible actually says so it is no surprise that they think the Bible says that.

It is just another area of Christianity that was picked up from Paganism. Much like they adopted pagan fertility fetishes like Ishtar Eggs and Ishtar Bunnys. Easter by any other name!

Answer 2

moral808 has the correct answer. Though this does not appear in scriptures it is an important principle. In the Bible every time their was a miraculous intervention by God in the affairs of man some action was required on the part of man. Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, or raising his staff to part the red sea. Similarly when Jesus performed miracles they were always accompanied by a command to go and do one thing or another. This phrase though should not be used to belittle those in need and has been used for just that purpose. God is not a big santa claus or a genie in a bottle. He gave us abilities to do for ourselves and if we seek his help and guidance along with putting out our own effort He will make things happen.

The person who mentioned the mythology of some Christians and their faulty knowledge of scripture is absolutely correct. There are many who call themselves Christians but have never taken the time to study scriptures. There is a kind of secular Christianity that seems to come into beliefs which amount to nothing more than mythology. I've been amazed at the number of people who will comment at the death of a loved one that "there is a new angel in heaven". What nonsense. They don't have even enough knowledge of the Bible to know that angels are uniquely created beings separate from man. Unfortunately The early Christian church WAS hijacked by Rome, which did lead to the tainting of the Christian faith by pagan ritual. Slogans such as the one asked about are all well and good providing they aren't accepted as scripture...to do so is ignorant at best and heresy at worst.

Answer 3

It is certainly not in the Bible. In fact the Bible clearly teaches that because people are unable to help themselves get out of the rut of sin that God had to do something about it. So actually God helps those who are unable to help themselves is more accurate.

I suppose such a saying came to being because people who are being counselled are lazy and do not want to do something for themselves. Say for instance, someone is jobless but not actively looking for a job but just sitting in the house whole day and praying to God for a job. Certainly, we are reliant upon God, but we also have to do our part to get out there to look for work. In such instance, I guess, one can use the "God helps those who help themselves" phrase.

Answer 4

You are correct, this is not found in the Bible, but the principle is true. If you expect to get help from God in anything, the first thing you need to do is to start. Even in things God commands people to do personally, He has them get started, then when they run into a difficulty too big for them to deal with, He does something too big for them to claim credit for.

Answer 5

No, is not on the Bible... is a popular frase.

I think people believe if they do there best to do something God will give them a little hand, if they believe if they pray, if they ask God to help them.

I believe that and I always ask God for help protection and for guide my career and my personal life.

Answer 6

Actually it is in the bible - I used to be a bible thumper! but for ten years I was mad at God!
I'm bad in the swing again, but I do remember quit alot.
Another saying - which is contradiction:
Is do not worry for tomorrow for God tends to even the little birds!

Answer 7

it means you have to work towards whatever you want, not just wait for God to give it to you on a silver platter.

Here's a joke as an example: a guy neede money real bad, so he prayed the Lord real hard to win the lottery, and after a while people in his church noticed and joined in asking Lord to let this guy win, and after more time all the saints and angels heard those prayes and also pleaded with the Lord, and then the skies parted over that guy and the thunderous voice said: "Buy the lottery ticket, dammit!"

Answer 8

You are right it's not in the bible. It mistakenly used by some Christians in general. I believe that this statement is trying to be equal unto God by saying not putting our whole trust in God but that we don't really need him. It's also condescending to those are not able to get real help.

Vij

Answer 9

It's just an old saying that basically means if you need something, go get it. My Dad called it "NCTPSOYA" Nothing Comes To Pass Sitting On Your ***." Another way to look at it, God answers all prayers, sometimes the answer is "No".

Answer 10

the person-pleasant interpretations of this putting forward are frequently "God facilitates those who make a valiant attempt to sparkling up their personal issues" or "do your utmost to sparkling up the issue on your own and God will furnish what you could't". it may well be unnecessary to inform someone to "let God take the credit" considering Abrahamic mythology preemptively supplies their deity credit for each little thing by technique of creating him a ideal author.