The popular saying “God helps those who help themselves” is commonly thought to be a Bible verse. However, this phrase does not actually appear anywhere in the Bible. The idea behind this saying is that we must take initiative and action to solve our problems, rather than passively waiting for God to fix everything for us. While personal responsibility and prudent action are certainly biblical concepts, the specific expression “God helps those who help themselves” is not found in Scripture.
In this approximately 9,000 word article, we will examine what the Bible does and does not say about this popular maxim. We will look at relevant biblical passages, analyze the meaning and application behind this phrase, and explain why it is not verbatim in the text of Scripture. Though not technically biblical, the essence of “God helps those who help themselves” aligns with several biblical principles. With discernment, we can gain wisdom from this saying while still recognizing it is not the exact wording of any verse.
The Origin of the Phrase
First, it is important to understand where this common saying comes from if not the Bible. The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” originates from ancient Greek literature. The Greek storyteller Aesop used this concept in several of his fables, including “Hercules and the Waggoner” and “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” In these tales, the diligent, hard-working characters are rewarded, while the idle characters fail due to their own laziness.
The principle seen in Aesop’s fables was echoed by various ancient philosophers and writers. The Greek poet Euripides (480-406 BC) wrote “Try first thyself, and after call in God; For to the worker God himself lends aid.” The Roman poet Ausonius (310-395 AD) said “Help thyself, and God will help thee.” The early modern English poet George Herbert (1593-1633 AD) wrote “Help thyself, and God will help thee.” Benjamin Franklin’s famous Poor Richard’s Almanack paraphrased “God helps them that help themselves.”
So while this concept has been expressed for centuries, the pithiness of the specific wording “God helps those who help themselves” emerged more recently. The earliest record of this precise phrase comes from the political theorist Algernon Sydney in 1698: “God helps those who help themselves.” From there it grew in popularity and became a widespread proverb. But at no point was this sentence ever in the Bible itself. It is the product of human wisdom, not divine revelation.
Relevant Biblical Principles
Though not verbatim scripture, “God helps those who help themselves” does resonate with some biblical values. The Bible emphasizes diligence, wise action, personal responsibility, and use of our own skills and resources. It warns against passivity, laziness, and inaction when we have the ability to work. While we should seek God in prayer and trust His provision, that does not negate our role. Scripture calls us to stewardship of our lives, talents, and opportunities.
The Book of Proverbs especially highlights the importance of wisdom, hard work, planning, and prudent use of resources. For example:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
These verses advocate foresight, diligence, and industriousness. We are accountable for the resources and abilities entrusted to us by God. Wise action and stewardship are praised, while laziness and idle wishing are scolded.
Similarly, the Apostle Paul instructs:
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23)
Paul explains that able-bodied people should work to provide for themselves and contribute productively. Our work ethic should honor God, whether we labor for an earthly or heavenly boss.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus also emphasizes personal stewardship. In the story, three servants are entrusted with resources to manage in their master’s absence. The two who invest and multiply their talents are rewarded for their initiative and diligence. The third servant who buries his resource is scolded for failing to take action.
While not an exact quote, “God helps those who help themselves” certainly aligns with the general teachings on wisdom, work, stewardship, and use of abilities found throughout Scripture. The Bible calls us to be responsible and shrewd while still relying on God as our ultimate provider.
Cautions Regarding this Phrase
Despite its indirect biblical basis, there are some cautions regarding this common maxim. If taken to an extreme, “God helps those who help themselves” could imply:
– We can earn our salvation by good works alone
– Material wealth and success are guaranteed through self-reliance and hard work
– Those who struggle do so entirely because of their own choices
– God is obligated to bless our plans and owes us prosperity
Of course, these notions clearly contradict biblical theology. Scripture teaches salvation by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Earthly wealth does not signify spiritual blessing or God’s favor (Luke 12:15). Difficult circumstances are not always the result of personal failure. And God sovereignly chooses when and how to bless us according to His perfect will.
This phrase should not promote a “bootstraps” mentality where we attempt to meet all our needs purely by our own effort. As Jesus taught, no matter how wisely we plan and judiciously we save, our lives consist of more than food and clothing (Matthew 6:25-34). Our hope and security must remain in the Lord, not ourselves. We do not earn God’s grace through self-sufficient striving.
While personal responsibility is good, this phrase should not justify a harsh, judgmental attitude toward those experiencing poverty, unemployment, or hardship. Christians are called to generosity and compassion, not condemnation of the disadvantaged. Scripture warns against showing favoritism to the rich or scorn toward the poor (James 2:1-9).
This phrase also should not downplay the biblical command to pray. We are to bring our needs and requests to God, casting our cares on Him, with thanksgiving and humility (Philippians 4:6, 1 Peter 5:7). Wise planning does not negate prayerful dependence on the Lord. We acknowledge Him, not ourselves, as the ultimate giver of success (James 4:13-16).
So “God helps those who help themselves,” while containing elements of truth, requires perspective and should not be viewed as a complete theology. This maxim promotes wisdom and diligence but becomes unbiblical if exaggerated into self-reliance and self-righteousness. It should spur faithful stewardship while still trusting ultimately in God’s control and provision.
Examples Where Self-Help is Encouraged in the Bible
Keeping these cautions in mind, there are still plenty of cases in Scripture where people are expected to employ their own initiative, resources, and abilities alongside seeking God’s aid. A few examples:
– After the fall into sin, Adam is compelled to work the land to provide for himself and Eve, rather than expect God to hand him food (Genesis 3:17-19).
– Noah takes responsibility to build the ark to protect his family, employing his own time, skills, and resources along with following God’s instructions (Genesis 6-9).
– The Old Testament prophets frequently warn the Israelites that their misfortunes are the consequence of their own moral failures and poor leadership, not simply lack of God’s favor (Amos 3:9-12, Jeremiah 2:17).
– Nehemiah organizes workers to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, asking King Artaxerxes for building materials and overseeing the logistics and labor (Nehemiah 1-6). He relies on God yet takes significant personal initiative.
– The Book of Ruth illustrates Ruth and Naomi’s diligent scheming and persistence to secure provision through hard work and shrewd planning, along with loyalty to family.
– Jesus tells the paralytic he healed to “get up, take your mat and go home” (Matthew 9:6). The man does not passively wait for Jesus to carry him; he gets up and walks as commanded.
– Paul urges Pricilla and Aquila to continue tentmaking and provide for themselves (Acts 18:3). He elsewhere states elders should work to avoid being a financial burden on the church (1 Thess 2:9).
In both Old and New Testaments, godly people employ their own skills and resources to address challenges. While seeking God in prayer, they also demonstrate personal responsibility rather than expecting God’s intervention alone. In most cases, our initiative complements God’s help; the two work in tandem. Situations that initially seem “impossible” become possible when we obey and get to work while still relying on God’s power and miraculous aid.
Ways God Helps Those Who Take Initiative
When we trust in the Lord and step out in wise action, how does God actually help us? According to biblical examples, some ways include:
– Granting wisdom and insight for effective planning (Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5).
– Increased physical and mental strength to carry out difficult tasks.
– Favor with authorities and ability to rally others to help.
– Providing unexpected resources, helpers, or circumstances exactly when needed.
– Protection and deliverance from harm.
– Miraculously multiplying limited resources.
– Bringing natural consequences like promotion and prosperity.
– Giving peace, confidence, and patience to persevere.
– Opening and closing doors of opportunity at just the right times.
Often God helps quietly behind the scenes. At pivotal moments, He also intervenes more openly with supernatural guidance, assistance, and power. But a pattern is discernible – those who step out in self-disciplined, prayerful trust seem to experience divine aid. When we do our small part with faithfulness, God leverages it tremendously. Our actions and God’s help synergize to accomplish more together than either could alone.
Examples of God Helping Those Who Took Initiative
Many biblical accounts illustrate this interplay between human responsibility and God’s assistance:
– After the Israelites cross the Red Sea, God does not instantly drop manna at their feet. He waits for them to grumble about hunger before instructing them to go gather manna each morning (Exodus 16:1-18). They must collect their daily bread, but God miraculously provides it.
– David proactively chooses five smooth stones before confronting Goliath. He relies on God yet still equips himself as best he can for the battle. (1 Samuel 17:40)
– The widow of Zarephath has to gather sticks and bake Elijah’s requested bread, even though she’s starving and down to her last bit of flour and oil. Her initiative activates God’s miracle of endless oil and flour until the drought ends. (1 Kings 17:7-16)
– Four friends lower paralyzed man through the roof so he can encounter Jesus. The man still has to have faith to rise up and walk at Jesus’ command, but his friends’ initiative facilitates his healing. (Mark 2:1-12)
– Joseph follows God’s warnings in dreams to flee danger and relocate Mary and Jesus to Egypt and later Nazareth. But he also takes personal responsibility to arrange their complex travels. (Matthew 2:13-23)
– Jesus tells the disciples to organize crowds in groups before miraculously multiplying food. The disciples gather available loaves and fish yet rely on divine provision. (Mark 6:35-44)
In none of these examples do the people passively wait for God to set everything right. They step out in preparation, organization, wise planning, and faithful action within their capability. When they demonstrate diligent stewardship of resources and opportunities, God honors these acts of obedience and trust. He strengthens their inadequate efforts with miraculous aid and abundance.
Balance Between Self-Reliance and God-Reliance
In analyzing relevant biblical passages, we see Scripture presents a both/and approach regarding personal initiative and dependence on God. Wise self-help is encouraged in tandem with prayerful reliance on divine guidance, resources, and power.
The healthiest spiritual posture is one of balance between these two poles. As the prophet Samuel states, “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23). We are accountable for wise choices, yet still acknowledge God as the ultimate source of help and deliverance. Nowhere does the Bible promote passivity or lack of diligence by physically able people. But nowhere does it advocate short-sighted self-reliance cut off from prayer and faith.
This balancing concept is encapsulated in Philippians 2:12-13: “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” We have responsibility yet rely on God’s strength. Proverbs 16:9 further advises: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Our initiative is guided by God’s sovereign direction.
Prayer Is Still Vital
Though there is a place for well-thought initiative, prayer remains absolutely vital according to Scripture. Colossians 4:2 instructs believers to “devote yourselves to prayer.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray continually.” Jesus called prayer a daily necessity, like food (Matthew 6:11).
It is not an either/or choice between stepping out in effort and seeking God in prayer. We are called to both. Through prayer, we receive the very tools and resources we need for wise action. We gain insight, empowerment, favor, and God’s blessing over our efforts. Our plans and efforts should bathe in prayer every step.
Examples of Bible figures who powerfully combined initiative with prayer include:
– **Abraham** – He vigorously prepared to sacrifice Isaac yet still trusted God to fulfill the covenant (Genesis 22).
– **Moses** – He organized judges and delegates yet continually sought God’s counsel (Exodus 18).
– **Hannah** – She passionately prayed for a son yet faithfully fulfilled her vow to God after Samuel was born (1 Samuel 1).
– **Solomon** – He energetically built the temple yet humbly requested God’s wisdom and blessing (1 Kings 5-9).
– **Nehemiah** – He strategically planned to rebuild Jerusalem yet fasted and prayed throughout (Nehemiah 1-6).
– **The Apostles** – They zealously evangelized yet devoted themselves to prayer together (Acts 1:14).
The Bible highlights maturity when initiative couples with intimacy with God. We should pursue His face and His hands. Self-discipline and praying without ceasing should not be mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing.
Proper Motivation: For God’s Glory Alone
Finally, our motivation makes all the difference. Self-help for selfish ambition, pride, or self-exaltation clearly contradicts biblical values. But diligent stewardship of our lives and gifts purely for God’s glory and purposes aligns with Scripture.
Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 further instructs, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” The motivation matters.
We must examine our own hearts. Are we self-reliant and controlling, independently planning things for our own comfort and security? Or do we seek God’s kingdom, humbly asking Him to guide and establish the work of our hands? Any initiative or planning should flow from reliance on the Spirit, not just our earthly reasoning.
Our self-discipline and responsible choices aim not to control God or elicit his automatic favor. Rather, we act in faith and wise stewardship out of reverence for the Lord. Our industriousness comes from intimacy with God, not isolation from Him. Self-help energized by the Holy Spirit, for God’s greater purposes, takes on divine significance. But “God helps those who help themselves” just to gratify the self is hollow.
Conclusion
In summary, while the pithy phrase “God helps those who help themselves” does not originate from Scripture itself, the spirit of this saying does resonate with some biblical values. When balanced with prayer and proper motivation, personal initiative, diligence, and wise use of resources align with how both Testaments portray faith lived out through action. But this phrase can become unbiblical if exaggerated into self-reliance or used to judge those experiencing hardships.
As the evangelist D.L. Moody summarized: “Our best efforts without God amount to nothing, but God can use our weakest efforts to accomplish remarkable things when He has control of them.” Our small loaves and fish, when submitted to Christ, become more than sufficient for the tasks and trials ahead. Scripture calls us to offer not just our prayers to God but our active participation with Him in redeeming a fallen world.