What does the phrase "...but for the grace of God go I" mean?

Question

People have said it to me when I comment negatively on the actions of others. Where does this phrase come from and what does it mean?

Answer 1

I believe it was St Augustine in his book "Confessions" who first used the line. If I remember the story, it went something like....he was in a town near the waterfront when he was approached by a young man, dirty, dressed in rags, and smelling of alcohal. He begs Augustine for some money. Opening his purse, he gave the man a couple coins. Seeing what he had done, another passerby came over and ask why Augustine had given the man money. Couldn't he see that the man was a bum, a drunk, and a good for nothing. Augustine watched him leave and said, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

What he meant was that it was only by God's grace that August was not just as bad - and as bad off - as the young man. So he had no room to criticize the young man. The same desires and sin that ruined that young man's live could just as easily have ruined Augustine's. Rather then condemn another person, he felt you should piety and seek to help. Because that could use as easily have been you.

Answer 2

I take it to mean that I have done the things that those people have done and I have learned from it. Everyone has their own life lessons, but most generally, there is someone out there who has the same lessons or problems to overcome.

I had an issue when I was 19 and I learned a great deal from it. Now, when I see someone going through the same things that I went through when I was 19, I think, "I've been there and I've learned from what I have done. That person will learn from it as well." That's how I interpret "...but for the Grace of God go I."

Answer 3

The full quote is "there but for the grace of God go I".

It means that you shouldn't comment negatively on somebody in an unfortunate situation because it could well have been you had your luck just been different.

Answer 4

Refers to being lucky. Most people are healthy, make a
living and live a reasonable long time. One accident
can change all that. One disease, one bad choice can
completely change a life of happiness to a life of misery.
When ever some one looks down their nose at someone
less fortunate and makes an unkind remark this saying
reminds that person that they could be just one accident
away from being just like that person. Hence, there but
for the grace of God go I means that person should be lucky they aren't like the person they snubbed.

Answer 5

Your friend is trying to tell you that YOU have had better luck in your life than many other people. Because God is graceous to you, you do not suffer the same problems as many other people. (hunger, homeless, poverty, physical problems, etc.)
The first time I ever heard this phrase, it was in a BOB DYLAN song, 1963, "Don't Think Twice". I'll list the short verse for you:

Answer 6

It means something like 'if it weren't for the grace of God, I might go there myself'. The idea is that if you criticise someone else, you should remember that, if the circumstances were different possibly you might have behaved in the same way.

Answer 7

It means that luck tends to play a big part in our lives. You too could be a down and out, or alcoholic, or disabled if things had been just slightly different.

Answer 8

Iam existing only because of God's grace.

Answer 9

It means that if it weren't for the grace of god (or luck or chance or yin or yang) you could be in their shoes too. I don't know where it comes from.

Answer 10

It means that God is merciful.
I Cr 13;8a, Love never fails!!!!!
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