Does God Help Those Who Don't Help Themselves?

[7teenyearsold]

I've often heard the saying "God helps those who help themselves" yet I cannot find this in the Bible. Wikipedia has verified that this appears nowhere in the Bible and Christians often msitakenly use the phrase, although it it contrary to the message of God's grace.

Should we try to remove ourselves from a bad situation or remain where we are in silent submission, cooperating with the grace of God? Does anyone know of any Bible verses that justify self-initiative in certain circumstances?

 

[Dev]

Well to answer the question in the title, yes. God helps those who don't help themselves all the time, He provides for missionaries who gave away all they had for others. This doesn't mean that he wants you to hurt, just that He will help you give your all for Him.
And your last question: It depends on what your bad situation is, can you glorify God by staying more than by leaving the situation?

 

[Jethro Bodine]

An example to learn from is what Paul says to the Thess. church:

11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thess. 4:11-12 NIV1984)


6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.â€

11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. (2 Thess. 3:6-13 NIV1984)


People in the ministry are to earn their living from the ministry itself, although they are entitled not to use that privilege as Paul did as an example to the churches.

The general principle is that God blesses the good and godly things he expects us to do, and which we really can do. He's not bending over to feed the man who won't work, but can work. Nor the spouse who won't take on their responsibilities in a relationship. God's eyes roam back and forth to bless those who seek to do what is right, not who neglect their responsibilities in life's various situations.

"...the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chron. 16:9 NIV1984)

Being fully committed to the Lord implies action ...an active obedience to that which is right and good. A relationship with God is all about having your obedience blessed, not your disobedience. Proverbs is full of warnings to those who do not actively fulfill their obligations to the people around them.

 

[Classik]

Ok! I get the taste of this thread: Does God help lazy people?
Laziness is a disease and a deadly contamination only hardwork can heal.
:::
That phrase is in the bible, somehow.

Proverbs 19:15 NKJV
Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will suffer hunger.

--
2Thess 3:10
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.


)))(((
...Whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap..

Whatever your situation, God is there to help...we musn't all be millionaires, but God is always there to help us. We do our own part and let God do His. He asked us to subdue the earth. How do we go about it? By sleeping for a week? Hard work!

 

[handy]

You might find the story of David, Abigail and Nabal interesting. 1 Samuel 25


At this time, David is on the run from King Saul. Nabal had a large holding, over 3000 sheep and at the time of the shearing, David had provided a service to Nabal, unasked for, but nonetheless a real service, of helping his shepherd keep the flocks protected. When the time of shearing came, which seems to also have been sort of a festival time, David sent word to Nabal of his service and ask Nabal for hospitality and much needed rest and provisions for his band of outlaws.

Nabal refused, not only refused but insulted David as well. David didn't take the insult well and armed his men to go after Nabal. Nabal's servants knew that the whole estate was in great danger from David now, and the thing is, the servants also knew that David's anger was justified. But, Nabal was such a hard-headed fool, the servants knew that there was no talking to him about humbling himself and doing right by David.

So, the servants went to Abigail, Nabal's beautiful and intelligent wife.

Here is where I think this story is an illustration of what you are asking, 7teenyearsold.

As Nabal's wife, Abigail most certainly could have said, "Hey, what can I do. My husband is both a fool and arrogant, but he has refused David. As his submissive wife, I can't go against my husband's wishes."

She certainly could have done that, but then violence would have been visited upon the whole estate and every man there would have wound up dead, as David was coming with a force of 400 armed men.

However, Abigail did not remain in silent submission. Instead and without her husband's knowledge or permission, she sprang into action, loading up donkeys with the food that had already been prepared for the festival. She sent these with the servants who had informed her of the situation. She then followed along and when David was greeted with the donkeys loaded down with provisions and food, she then humbled herself before David, took all blame upon herself, begged David not to listen to her fool of a husband (yes, she did call him a fool and so he was), and to accept the gifts and not bring violence against Nabal's household. David, who truly was intending to kill all the males he found, was appeased and accepted her gift.

All this was done without anyone telling Nabal what was happening. He was fully occupied with having the big festival party and was drunk. However, the next morning, when he was sober, Abigail did tell him what happened, and apparently he had a stroke. He died 10 days later. Abigail then married David.

If one wants to be a strictly literal, Abigail's actions would be considered improper for a wife. She went behind her husband's back and did something that he had already refused. She publicly called him worthless and a fool. However, Abigail's actions are praised within the Scriptures and I think she stands as a testimony to all, but especially to us women, how there are times when we must act with initiative and do what is the best thing...even when those who are "over" us, would tell us not to.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I've often heard the saying "God helps those who help themselves" yet I cannot find this in the Bible. Wikipedia has verified that this appears nowhere in the Bible and Christians often msitakenly use the phrase, although it it contrary to the message of God's grace.

Should we try to remove ourselves from a bad situation or remain where we are in silent submission, cooperating with the grace of God? Does anyone know of any Bible verses that justify self-initiative in certain circumstances?

In regard to relationships, the key here is 'certain' circumstances. I would not hesitate much if I had a clear opportunity to kill someone who was holding me at gun point in a bank holdup. But I do not have that same liberty in regard to a difficult boss, or spouse.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I think the phrase came from Ben Franklin, who wasn't exactly the most godly individual ever. God has a tendency to help the outcasts, the pariahs, those least able to help themselves. I'm sure competent, motivated individuals get saved all the time, but it seems like a whole lot of the NT is dedicated to writing about the salvation of the disliked, rejected, and unloveable.

As for removing yourself from a situation, I don't know. In my own life, God has worked with me and my mistakes. For instance, there were plenty of situations I should have removed myself from when I was younger, but God used my mistakes in various ways to make me a better person and Christian. Now that I'm older and a Christian, I have more discernment, and I feel as if God has begun to give me the insight I need to keep from making a mess of my life again.

Handy gave you a very good example of how bending the rules, in certain situations, can not only be necessary, but also commendable. Remember Rahab the harlot? She lied to authorities, which is a sin, but she became an ancestor of Jesus. All I can say is pray to God for wisdom and discernment, especially regarding whatever is troubling you, and He'll give it to you.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I think the phrase came from Ben Franklin, who wasn't exactly the most godly individual ever. God has a tendency to help the outcasts, the pariahs, those least able to help themselves. I'm sure competent, motivated individuals get saved all the time, but it seems like a whole lot of the NT is dedicated to writing about the salvation of the disliked, rejected, and unloveable.

When this comes up in conversation, I like to change it to "God helps those who can't help themselves". God does not help those who won't help themselves as is fitting (although he may graciously try to change our minds about that). And as you point out, wisdom is indeed how we know which category we are in and how it applies in any one particular situation.


Here are some interesting passages for meditation:

34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (Heb. 10:34 NIV1984)


24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. (Heb. 11:24-25 NIV1984)

Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. (Heb. 11:35 NIV1984)


....each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to. (1 Cor. 7:17-24 NIV1984)



...one brother goes to law against another... Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? (1 Cor. 6:6-7 NIV1984)

 

[Mike]

To me, this is one of the biggest lies that has the sound of being biblical but isn't. It's like taking the Power out of God's Hands and placing it in your own. He is your help in times you know you need it and in times you don't. This isn't to say you don't use the discernment that He Gives you. The statement in and of itself is just not true.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

To me, this is one of the biggest lies that has the sound of being biblical but isn't. It's like taking the Power out of God's Hands and placing it in your own.

If that is the intent then, yes, it would be entirely unBiblical and wrong. But if the saying represents God expectations and conditions for you receiving his blessing then it is very Biblical.

 

[Mike]

If that is the intent then, yes, it would be entirely unBiblical and wrong. But if the saying represents God expectations and conditions for you receiving his blessing then it is very Biblical.

I understand what you're saying, but to me it gives the wrong message to a world that needs to rely on His Power. This is very different than a person being self-sufficient and not relying on hand-outs from society when they are capable or taking the steps to respond when they are in danger. I don't believe it is biblical to say His Help is contingent on anything we do.

Romans 5
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28034">1</sup> Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28035">2</sup> through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28036">3</sup> Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28037">4</sup> perseverance, character; and character, hope. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28038">5</sup> And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28039">6</sup> You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28040">7</sup> Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28041">8</sup> But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I understand what you're saying, but to me it gives the wrong message to a world that needs to rely on His Power. This is very different than a person being self-sufficient and not relying on hand-outs from society when they are capable or taking the steps to respond when they are in danger. I don't believe it is biblical to say His Help is contingent on anything we do.

Romans 5
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28034">1</sup> Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28035">2</sup> through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28036">3</sup> Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28037">4</sup> perseverance, character; and character, hope. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28038">5</sup> And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28039">6</sup> You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28040">7</sup> Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28041">8</sup> But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The phrase has no application whatsoever to salvation. That is for sure. And most in the church know that. And that is why it gets so misunderstood.

In a church that generally misunderstands 'grace' as meaning the removal of all responsibilities in matters related to God's blessings it seems true that all of God's blessings are indeed not conditioned on if we try to help ourselves or not.

I blame the church's lack of knowledge of the law for this misunderstanding of how the blessings of God's favor in Christian living are reserved for God's people alone, and are conditioned on active obedience. Salvation is not, of course. But being blessed in your relationship with God and enjoying the abundant life is.

The OP seems to have limited the application of the phrase to various situations a saved person would find themselves in and where God's favor really is largely conditioned on what you do to help a situation, posturing yourself to receive God's blessings. Marriage is a very good example. Don't expect the glories of heaven to rescue your marriage if you aren't willing to do what God says you should be doing in your marriage to help it.

 

[Mike]

The phrase has no application whatsoever to salvation. That is for sure. But too many people in the church don't know that. And that is why it gets so misunderstood.

I altered your post to what you might have meant. If you didn't, I think it's more true the way I changed it than ever. With the upswing in the "emergent church", and the "self-help" mentality, this phrase has become scriptural. :gah

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Should we try to remove ourselves from a bad situation or remain where we are in silent submission, cooperating with the grace of God?

The grace of God is not always 'silent submission'. For example, it is entirely Biblical to confront someone who is sinning against you (Matthew 18:15-17).

I know of a wife who decided not to take her situation silently anymore and took matters into her own hands. I pointed out to her that confronting people who sin against us is in fact Biblical. The danger, of course, would be to do that in a way that hurts your offender. I think it's okay to draw boundaries where they should be drawn and not allow people to cross them.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I altered your post to what you might have meant. If you didn't, I think it's more true the way I changed it than ever. With the upswing in the "emergent church", and the "self-help" mentality, this phrase has become scriptural. :gah

I can appreciate what you're saying but I did mean it the way I wrote it. I guess I mean it in the context of those in the church who do truly know and understand God's grace in salvation. Many among that group seem to have turned the grace of salvation into an excuse to not "aim for perfection" (2 Cor. 13:11 NIV1984) and expect God's blessings nevertheless.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I have to admit I'm more prone to believe things will just work themselves out if I don't try to do something uncomfortable to help it. Problem is, like the example of Matthew 18, sometimes we really should do something to bring about God's intervention and blessings. In the case of the person who sins against us, the hope is that through your confrontation God will rescue the one who has wandered away from the ninety and nine (see context), because "If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." (Matthew 18:15 NIV1984 emphasis mine)

 

[Mike]

I was going to go on a rift about the "prosperity Gospel" (which is horrific), but I don't want to take this so far from the intention of the OP. I do NOT believe we ought to stand by idly and do nothing when we are oppressed, but we should prayerfully petition God for the wisdom to do what we should do.

 

[for_his_glory]

1Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

1Timothy 5:1-16 is basically talking about the body of Christ taking care of their Shepard (Pastor) and their family with their basic needs and also helping those who are our neighbors, which is everyone in the world that have no way of helping themselves.

Matthew 25:1-46 These verses represents the continued works of the Lord we are to be doing if we are following Gods greatest law of love, Matthew 22:36-40, as God will separate the sheep from the goats or another way of saying this could be separating those who have given their all through faith and trust in the Lord compared to those who are just plain lazy or as 1Timothy calls them infidels.

I would say no that God is not going to help those who are sloth in all their ways taking no obligation for themselves or their family.

 

[Vic C.]

Hey, why not? :D

Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The condition is underlined.