“God helps those who help themselves.” Quick, what book does that come from? Give up? It’s not in the Bible. But you can find it in “Poor Richards Almanac” (1757) by Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin is not the only one who said something like that. There are various older writings in English literature where the sentiment can be found, but it is not in the Bible. If you believe that the Bible is your authority for faith and life, that may bring you some relief…or puzzlement. Many of us have been taught this all of our lives.

The Bible actually teaches something quite different. “He who trusts in himself is a fool...” (Proverbs 28:26). We are totally dependent on God for every breath. (Acts 17:25) In fact, the Bible tells us that “every perfect gift comes from above” (James 1:17). Yet, we tell people “God helps those who help themselves!” What is that supposed to mean anyway?

To some it means “Stop whining about your situation and go do something about it.” That can be a necessary corrective. God certainly doesn’t intend for us to sit around and do nothing. We do have responsibilities as humans to work hard and do right. “We were not idle when we were with you, 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. 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. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13).

However, some people have used this saying as an excuse not to help others. This is contrary to Scripture. The Bible commands us quite clearly to help others. “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered” (Proverbs 21:13).

The biggest problem with this saying is that God does not command us to “help ourselves”. We need God’s help. A man drowning cannot "pull himself out" with his own hand. “Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?” (Job 6:13) God helps the helpless! "For you have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat..." (Isaiah 25:4). We NEED rescuing. Especially from our sins! Romans 5:6 tells us, "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." God helps those who can’t help themselves, and I’m so thankful for that.