Who said - God helps those who help themselves - hint: no one in the Bible said it?

Answer 1

1736 edition of Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack

Answer 2

Trying to pinpoint the origin of a statement is a difficult task, but one source indicates that the saying originated in Aesop's Fable of Hercules and the Carter.

A man was driving a wagon with a heavy load along a very muddy way when the wheels sank halfway into the mire. The more the horses pulled, the deeper the wheels sank. Finally the man threw down his whip, knelt down and prayed to Hercules, a mythical god, “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.”

While the exact phrase may not be found in Scripture, some have contended that the concept is Biblical.

None were mention or found for "God helps those who help themselves" in King James Version.

The nearest in the word of God is in Jeremiah 10:23 from King James Version.

"LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23

Answer 3

Benjamin Franklin

Answer 4

In a form, Aesop said it first..later Benjamin Franklin (Poor Richard's Almanac) wrote the exact quote.

You're right though, it's unscriptural...in fact God has routinely (routinely for God) helped those who could NOT help themselves...

(Mat 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
(Mat 5:5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(Mat 5:6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
(Mat 5:7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
(Mat 5:8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
(Mat 5:9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
(Mat 5:10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
(Mat 5:12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

(Mar 9:24) And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
(Mar 9:25) When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
(Mar 9:26) And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
(Mar 9:27) But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

Answer 5

well i certainly cant help myself,i need God to teach me how to love,and your right it does not say that in the bible

Answer 6

but one must be willing to try to do for themselves.
The father does not expect us to just lay down like a carpet , do nothing, and have everything just given to us.... we all must work, take care of ourselves.

we have our own minds, brains, and self being, the father is there to guide us, not drop $$$ from the sky!

Answer 7

it might not actually come out and say it directly but it's implied throughout the whole bible

Answer 8

My paternal grandmother said that!!

Answer 9

It was a fable, Cant remember whose, but it was. I'll look.

Answer 10

A M*A*S*H episode tells you that.