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Phrases #1: "God helps those who help themselves" in the Bible


GoldenEagle

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Why do we think these phrases are passages in the Bible? One reason is people haven’t read or don’t actually know what is in the Bible. Another reason is sometimes we use what we perceive as Biblical truth to reinforce own pre-existing beliefs or what has been taught to us. Yet some of these phrases do at times reflect Biblical truth or concepts. Sometimes, however the phrases are a result of folk wisdom or cultural use of the terms.

#1. Is "God helps those who help themselves" in the Bible?

If so, what is the passage? If not, where does it originate from?

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I used to quote this saying years ago and believed it unfortunately. It is not in the Bible. It is from Ben Franklin quoted in Poor Richards Almanac 1757. Actually it originated from Algernon Sydney 1698 in an article titled Discourses Concerning Government.

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I've never found it.

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No, I don't think it does. But the bible does instruct us to invest our money wisely, see the parables. So I am not sure this means for us to be totally unprepared and only relying on supernatural provision. I believe in supernatural provision, but as an addition to us at least attempting to help ourselves.

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I believe the place I have been born into has absolutely no place with the place I have been born out of... Love, Steven

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It is absolutely unbiblical.

 

As for it's origins, I believe that it started in the Garden with the original lie and the doctrine of demons.

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Guest ninhao

I think the saying should be " God helps those who cannot help themselves "

 

Mat 9:35-38  Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  (36)  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  (37)  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  (38)  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
 

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Is "God helps those who help themselves" in the Bible?

 

No.

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Is "God helps those who help themselves" in the Bible?

If so, what is the passage? If not, where does it originate from?

 

Its from Benjamin Franklin, and not from Scripture. :)

 

I've often wondered where the idea came from, but it reminded me of a principle from the Old Testament. While God does not "help those who help themselves," He does require his people to suit up and show for the battle. I've heard it expressed as doing what we can and stepping out in faith that God will do what He says He will do. We see that example all through Israel's conquest of the Holy Land in which God expressly states He is the one giving them victory and fulfilling His covenant promises to them to give them the land. They could not win the battle alone, but they did have to show up for the battle, not sit back and take it easy in camp. :) 

 

Perhaps the idea isn't so much about "helping ourselves" as it is showing up for the battle.

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According to researcher George Barna, eight out of ten Americans believe the saying "God helps those who help themselves" is in the Bible.

 

Whether this concept is consistent with the Bible's teachings depends on the context. In terms of work, the Bible emphatically teaches against laziness. Nevertheless, God is presented as One who serves as a "defense for the helpless." (Isaiah 25:4)

See: http://suite101.com/article/common-sayings-not-from-the-bible-a118379

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