Where in the Bible does it say, "God helps those who help themselves?"?

Question

I hear this phrase so often from Christians and it just irritates me because it is NOT found in the Bible. God helps those who wait on Him, not those that go out gung ho without listening to His direction.

Answer 1

a nationwide poll conducted by Barna Research Institute, 82% of Americans said they believed that the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is a direct quote from the Bible.(2)

It's not.

Actually, the saying comes from Aesop's Fables. The story goes like this: "A Wagoner was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. He came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Wagoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong. 'O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress." But Hercules appeared to him, and said: 'Man, don't sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. The gods help them that help themselves.'"(3)

Now, there is an element of truth in that. You can't just sit around and expect God to miraculously do everything for you. That's what the Apostle Paul once wrote to a group of people with a lay-back-and-let-God-do-it-all attitude. It's in the outline:

"He who does not work shall not eat." Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we appeal to such people--we command them--to quiet down, get to work, and earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12TLB

In other words, "Put your shoulder to the wheel. God isn't pleased with laziness." In that sense, Paul is saying, "God helps those who help themselves."

Answer 2

I've spent a lot of my existence in Christian circles (and learning devout reports as a school professor of that subject) and I've on no account encountered any Christian who quoted that maxim as a passage from a Bible scripture. But I haven't any doubt that one would discover this type of character. Of path, the CONCEPT of the conventional pronouncing is in concord with Jesus' teachings in more than a few parables (e.g. parable of the skills) and Jesus' common approach while he healed anyone. (He most of the time requested them to do anything on their possess first, comparable to washing the dust from their eyes earlier than Jesus restored the blind guy's sight. And earlier than feeding the 5000, Jesus requested for a "donation" of a couple of loaves and fishes from a little one.) So the irony of your "query" (i.e., your try to editorialize to your self-aggrandizing assumptions that you simply supposedly realize extra approximately the Bible than so much "pious Christians") turns out to flee your detect. Obviously, you'll select any notion or subject of abilities and discover lots of persons who've a protracted option to cross in know-how that subject -- whether or not that subject be Biblical reports or evolution or political idea. So within the system of constructing such observations you'll see natural threads regarding the foibles of human nature. And sure, all of us have spotted how funny human nature may also be (such because the naive smugness of self-confirmation.) Welcome to the human race.

Answer 3

You are right in stating that this phrase is not to be found in the Bible. However, the CONCEPT could be said to be a biblical one. We are encouraged to "ask" "seek" "knock" "call upon" "cry out" etc. This implies that we have a part to play in receiving help from God. Surely He does not force His help upon us.

Answer 4

The Gospel according to Poor Richard's Almanac. Blame Ben Franklin for THAT invention!

Answer 5

All too often idleness is viewed as a virtue to half-believers. Therefore, to give them a kick in the butt, we say that to them. The principle is sound, God wants us to be fruitful and he will help us do that.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5

Answer 6

My dad used this variation "God helps those who help themselves,but God help those who help themselves to too much" It is not from the Bible but from an Aesop's fable about a wagoner and the quote is "the gods help those who help themselves"

Answer 7

Quran whic is hte fianl edition of all divien books and which is protected as promised by the God tells at many mnay places that God does nto change the status of peopel unless tehy try to change themsleves.

Answer 8

not sure of the exact location (exodus i believe), but god tells abraham to "walk for himself". he is told this after he asks god for help. came across this phrase in a book on kabbalah by david aaron. not christianity exactly, but as far as i am concerned, most religions are just branches off the same tree.

Answer 9

This was for people that worshiped different gods than the One true Living GOD! Who wants his followers to have faith and call on HIM.

Answer 10

Yes I totally agree it's irritating. Also the saying that "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." That means you're handling on your own without leaning on Him for strength. Just redundant sayings is all.