God Helps Those Who Help Themselves – Biblical Fact or Fiction

On the show Just ONE Choice, the Biblical Fact or Fiction is:

The verse “God helps those who help themselves” is found in Romans….Fact or Fiction?

If you said FICTION, you’re right!

This one was actually a trick question, because the saying “God helps those who help themselves” is actually not ANYWHERE in the Bible!

According to Wikipedia, this saying has roots in ancient Greece, but is in fact NOT Biblical.  In fact, it goes against the teachings of God’s mercy and grace.

In the Bible there are many references to the importance of earning a living, working diligently, helping those in need, and doing good works (not unto salvation, but as a result of loving God) – so it’s easy to see how all of this could have been morphed over time into the statement “God helps those who help themselves.”  But really look at any of these verse, or at all of them collectively.  The pat answer of this platitude doesn’t even touch the true meaning behind the scriptures.

It’s true – you can’t simply sit back and pray for miracles.  Want God to bless you in your finances?  You’re going to have to work for it.  Want God to bless you in your health?  You’re going to have to eat right and exercise.  But God IS also a God of miracles – and there is NO limit on what He can do in your life!

So no – there is NO verse in the Bible that says “God helps those who help themselves.”  And yes – we should all be grateful for that!  Otherwise, we wouldn’t be receiving mercy and grace!

Want to listen to the show Just ONE Choice where this segment of Biblical Fact or Fiction aired?  Click here for the replay and the summary.