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Essay on God Help Those Who Help Themselves

The saying “God helps those who help themselves” symbolizes the importance of self-initiative hard work. The whole idea behind “praying to god” has nothing to do with making things more comfortable, but it is more about providing the ability to face difficult things in life. This means we need to perform our work with full dedication and in the accurate direction to succeed and get rewarded.  Below, you will find a long (400-500 words), and short (100-200 words) essay on God helping those who help themselves.

Long Paragraph on God Help Those Who Help Themselves

God helps those who help themselves is an old saying and was introduced in ancient Greece. It was illustrated by two of Aesop’s Fables. The present English version of this quote was first composed by Algernon Sydney, an English politician who lived in the 1600s. Religious faith is a universal feature of humanity. From the existence of mankind, people have started to believe in the divine energies of the universe. 

Work is devotion, a person is always remembered for his or her struggles. Only work can lead us to a peak and make us famous. When we work for a goal, we need to have patience. Sometimes our effort might not show results immediately, but we should not lose our spirit or blame God for our bad luck. Instead, we need to work harder and be focused on going forward and helping ourselves so that we get graces from God and gain more success in life. 

God helps those who help themselves expansion of ideas is a truth that transcends all walks of life. We believe in God and his mercy on us. But it would be a mistake if we assume that he will help us even if we don’t help ourselves. Such reasoning and belief are self-defeating. God has provided us with a soul, a body, and a mind. We need to utilize it accurately and work harder to succeed in life. For example, if we sow the seeds, we also have to work hard to cultivate the soil and plough the fields. We also have to provide the sprouts due care, save the plants from animals and birds and water them at intervals. All this hard labour will provide us with the crops and fill our barn. God would only help a person who is eager and firm to work harder to accomplish his goals. He will never serve you if you sit, ideally praying or be sluggish. One must make efforts and strive to reach his goal, only then the person will be rewarded.

Therefore, it is better to rely on our efforts and then pray to God to help us succeed in our hard work.  Many things are shaped by prayer, but not merely by prayer. Our attempts and efforts are very much essential, and our prayers will strengthen our purposes. Hence, we can say that God helps but helps only those who help themselves.

Short Paragraph on God Help Those Who Help Themselves

Dependency is the worst enemy of humanity. It leads to anxiety and self-destruction. A man who only believes in luck and does not make efforts disappoint God and summons offense and disgrace at his door. God will never help us if we make expectations from him and leave all the work behind. He helps those who never get afraid of hard work. He blesses people who serve their work as devotion.

God helps those who help themselves is a well-known saying which teaches us an essential lesson. In our everyday life, most of us usually get hopeless when we have to face obstacles and difficulties. We start praying to God during these times, instead of working hard to get out of those problems. We should believe and keep faith in God that he will assist us in deciding the right direction and also give us the strength and courage to reach our goals.

Why do we have Faith in God?

We believe in God because it fills us with a feeling of direction, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment. A sense of peace and reassurance of life comes from believing in an unknown divine power that will protect us. When situations become chaotic and uncontrollable, faith in God grows. Believing in God's plan allows people to reclaim a sense of control, or at the very least acceptance. That divine force will provide us with peace of mind and help us in overcoming life's obstacles with greater preparedness. 

Our faith in God will assist us in better preparing for life, but we will still have to fight our own battles. God will not fight our battles for us, but he will certainly assist those who assist themselves. Faith is important, but we won't receive God's blessing unless we try harder to improve ourselves. We learned from the essay "God Help Those Who Helped Themselves" that it is best to focus on our battles before praying to God to help us succeed at work. If we believe that God will help us even if we don't help ourselves, we are making a mistake. Hard work is required for success, and one must put forth an effort to achieve one's objectives.

At last, it is concluded that God always helps those people who work hard with full dedication without getting anxious about the outcome. We should never get hopeless in our worst conditions and try to solve problems with a calm mind to overcome the situation with confidence.

FAQs on God Help Those Who Help Themselves Essay

1. What is the moral of the essay “God Help Those Who Help Themselves”?

This narrative tells us that efforts made in the correct path with belief in God, God blesses us with both the desired results and his blessings. Difficult times for anyone eventually turn into good times, but we only need to work hard and be patient instead of cursing our luck and blaming God. According to the saying "God helps those who help themselves," God only helps those who solve their challenges and never criticize or blame others for their problems. So, we should never lose hope in our terrible times and instead try to overcome problems with a calm mind and continuous effort; it will all be finished soon with happiness and confidence. God has always shown us the right path in many ways, but it is our responsibility to walk on it. Nothing and no one can assist us if we do not understand his instructions. We must perform well in life for doors of success to open for us.

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4. What Can One Learn from God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay in English?

According to the proverb ‘God helps those who help themselves, God helps those people who work on their problems and never cuss their bad luck or blame others for their problems.  We should never get hopeless in our worst conditions; instead, we should try to work on our issues and solve the problems.  God is creative, he has formed us and understands us. He knows our aspirations. He helps us in deciding the right direction and also gives us the strength and courage to reach our goals. Worship is the main thing, but we cannot perceive God's blessings unless we work harder to grow in life.

5. Does Faith Help in Getting Success in Life?

Faith is essential, but we cannot receive God’s blessings unless we work harder to grow in life. In the essay on “God helps those who help themselves”, we have learned that it is better to rely on our struggles and then pray to God to help ourselves succeed in work. It will be a mistake if we believe that he will help us even if we don’t help ourselves. Success comes with hard work, and one must make efforts to reach his goal.

God Help Those Who Help Themselves Essay

Table of Contents

‘God helps those who help themselves’ is a most famous and common saying which tells us that only those people get help from God who are hard working, disciplined, and committed to the aim of life. It is a common topic which students can get in their class to write some paragraphs or complete essay or just give their view on this topic. Teachers assign their students to write essay to enhance the writing skill and improve the confidence level.

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Long and Short Essay on God helps those who help themselves in English

We have provided below some paragraphs, and essays on God helps those who help themselves under different word limits. You can select any of the paragraph or essay according to your need.

God helps those who help themselves Essay 1 (100 words)

‘God helps those who help themselves’ is an old saying which means that God never help us when we only keep expectations from Him and leave all the work. God never helps people who only want to enjoy or stay away from hard work or large burden of work.

He always helps those people who help themselves means who do hard work dedicatedly by heart in right direction. People, who never get afraid of hard works and heavy work load, always get blessed by God and end up with good results. God always blesses people who follow their work as worship.

A person is always known by his/her works so work is worship. It is work only which can take us to the top and make us famous. So, if you want to succeed in life, go for hard work in right direction, you will get fame as well as God blessings.

God helps those who help themselves Essay 2 (150 words)

Some people become very religious and they worship God all time. They think that they will get blessed by God only because of their pooja. They do only pooja and never want to get involved in the hard work or never understand their life’s responsibilities. They always keep wrong faith that God will help them without doing hard work. However, the truth is that God always and only help those people who do hard work with full commitment without getting worried about the result.

Lazy people have a very wrong notion about the God that they will get blessed only for their laziness and wrong beliefs. They never know that they cannot make God fool, God is very creative, He has created us and know everything about us. He can read our mind and know our desires. Worship is main thing through which we can make God happy but we cannot get God blessings for success in life without hard work.

God helps those who help themselves Essay 3 (200 words)

‘God helps those who help themselves’ is a famous saying which means that God help us only when we help ourselves means we need to perform our work with full commitment in right direction in the field we want to succeed. If we do not work hard and only do worship; God will be happy but He will never bless us for success. It is our hard work only which help us to get blessings of God and reach to the top. Here is an interesting story of two frogs which help us to understand the real meaning of this saying:

Once, there were two frogs, they were enjoying the rainy day. Slowly they hopped to the house and fell down into the big container of milk. Both frogs tried to get out of the container for some time however one of them got fed up as he lost his hope of swim any more. The second one was having much patience and did not lose hope. He continued his swimming and round movements in the milk in order to get out of that.

Slowly he churned the milk into butter and then climbed to the pat of butter which helped him to hopped out of the churn. From this story, we learn that, we should never lose our hope and continue our hard work with full patience; the positive result will be in front of us. Thus, it is proved that, ‘God helps those who help themselves’.

God helps those who help themselves Essay 4 (250 words)

The saying ‘God helps those who help themselves’ teaches us the most important topic of life that we must do the hard work dedicatedly if we want to get success in that field. And, the most important thing is that God only help such people, not lazy people. We generally see this example getting proved in our daily life. The work we do from heart we get success and the work we show our laziness or only pray to God without hard work to get success in that we get failure.

We can be clearer about this saying through this story: Once a terrible flood came in a village and people started getting away from the village however there was one person who started praying God to save him. Water level was rising very rapidly however he didn’t move from him place. A person in a boat came there and asked him to climb to the boat. He refused in the wait that God surely will come to save him. Again a person in another boat came there however he refused. Soon, the water level raised up to the roofs and a person in helicopter reached there to save him. He denied again and said that he will be saved by God. Water level raised up to his neck and eventually he died.

After death, he reached to heaven and shouted on God that why You didn’t came to save me even after being an ardent devotee. God replied that, ‘you are fool, I sent there two boats and a helicopter to save you but you denied all time. How could I help you if you denied? You got three chances but you denied them yourself’. The moral of this story is God never help us if we don’t help us ourselves means ‘God helps those who help themselves’.

God helps those who help themselves Essay 5 (300 words)

In our daily life, most of us generally get hopeless whenever we have to face difficulties and problems. We start praying to God during those times instead of following some tricky solutions to get out of those problems. We should continue working hard and never get afraid of such problems in order to get result in favor. Some people blame their luck and complain to God for their misfortune instead of doing something. ‘God helps those who help themselves’ is a famous proverb which teaches us an important lesson in the life. It is not enough to only worship the God; we need to work hard in the field we want to succeed.

The story of a farmer can help us better to understand the theme of this saying. Once, a farmer was riding his cart to the market in order to sell his hay. Roads were very muddy due to the whole night heavy rain and it was really difficult for his horses to drag the load. Suddenly wheels got stuck into the mud. He started looking for someone to get help however no one was there. He became hopeless and cursed his bad luck instead of doing some efforts to get out of that. He looked up at the sky and started shouting at God for being unlucky. He prayed to God that ‘please help me’.

God appeared before him and said ‘why you are looking for someone to get help, you can yourself be out of this problem very easily’. Have you tried even for a while to get the wheels out of the mud instead of shouting at me? No one can help you until you help yourself. He ashamed of him and started trying to got the wheels out of mud through his shoulder. He got success in his first attempt and thanked to God for teaching the lesson of self help. Thus, it is true that ‘God helps those who help themselves’.

God helps those who help themselves Essay 6 (400 words)

Introduction

People, who do hard work and have patience, may have to wait to get the desired result however they can never be failed in their life. And people, who are lazy and don’t want to do hard work, always curse their luck and shout at God. ‘God helps those who help themselves’ is an old proverb which emphasizes the importance of self-initiative hard work.

It was originated in ancient Greece and means a lot to us in our daily life. The meaning and importance of this proverb can be better understood by the story of brothers and a mother. There was a family (three brothers and a mother) living in a village. They were living a happy life however, once a flood came and destroyed everything in the village. Anyhow they managed to shift in the village of their mother’s brother as she had some share there. They migrate there and their mother asked her brother to get her share. He was very greedy and selfish that’s why gave her only a small piece of land having no sources of water all around.

They were very disappointed however decided to stay there and made a shelter. But they continued hard work and prepared the land for cropping without complaining to the bad luck. One of the brothers got hopeless however the elder one was very hard working, hopeful and strong believer in God. One day, one of the brothers saw fresh reed grasses in the corner of land which was the indication of water source. They dug there deeply for several days and got water. They were happy because of getting the result of their hard work.

Moral of the Proverb

This story teaches us that efforts done in right direction with the faith in God bless us with both, desired results and God blessings. Difficult times of anyone surely change into the good times but we just need to do hard work and have patience instead of cursing the luck and shouting at God. According to this proverb ‘God helps those who help themselves’, God help only those people who solve their problems themselves and never curse their bad luck or blame others for their problems. So, we should never get hopeless in our bad times and try to solve problems with cool mind and hard works; definitely that will be over soon with lots of happiness and confidence.

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God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay | Essay on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves for Students and Children

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay: The whole idea behind “praying to god” has literally nothing to do with making things easier for you, but it is more about giving you the ability to face difficult things in life. If you believe that by praying to god, magically all your problems will be solved, then you have a wrong notion about god and religion.

In this essay on god helps those who help themselves, we will be busting some myths about god and its power. What one needs to understand is there is no substitute for our own hard work and diligence and at the end of the day god helps those who help themselves.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves for Students and Kids in English

We have provided a 600-word long essay on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay for students to use in essay writing competitions. Also, we have provided a 200-word short essay on god helps those who help themselves for schoolchildren for test, assignment and project work.

Long Essay on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves 600 Words

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay is helpful for students of classes 7,8,9 and 10.

Ever since mankind came into existence, we have started to believe in unnatural and spiritual powers of nature. Different religions believe in different gods and each of them has a different perception about god. In some religions, the man himself is god, in some animals are gods, in some trees are considered as god and in some emptiness (vacuum) is considered as god. Bhagavadgita teaches us that God exists everywhere, in small ants to big trees, and not just in temples.

But have you ever seen any reading in any religious scriptures which says that God will magically solve all your problems while you sit there doing nothing?

Some people have this wrong assumption that god will help them no matter what just because they have prayed to him, or maybe performed pooja in a temple. If that was the case, then everyone who prays and performs poojas should have got into IITs and IIMs. If God would help everyone irrespective of their hard work, then why would people slog for hours together and work hard to clear competitive exams or earn their hard-earned money? Our planet wouldn’t be what it is if God was actually what people assume him to be.

What we need to understand is, the belief in God will help us in finding the direction of our goals and ambitions. To put it in a better example, your dad can buy you a car and give you the route map to your destinations and guide you in how to drive, but at the end of the day, it is you who has to learn to drive the car and not your dad. Similarly, all God does is give us energy and confidence to reach our goals. It is us who has to work hard to reach our destinations. God helps those who help themselves and if people don’t work hard, then they blame god saying that it is all his play.

But there is one fundamental question that humanity has asked for a long time now?

Does God exist?

Why do we believe in god?

It depends on what you think of god as. Christianity believes Jesus as a god, Hinduism believes in many gods with supernatural powers, Islam does not believe in the embodiment of god’s imagery. Certain tribes in forest areas consider forests and trees as there god. There are atheists who do not believe in God at all? Which god will help you with what? Which god is the best?

These are certain unnecessary question that human beings fight about without realising that the real god is one and it lies in our hard work. Every religion teaches us the same thing that god helps those who help themselves, but we as human being circumvent that teaching and has taken it out of context for our unfounded selfish beliefs.

Does this all mean only your god helps achieve things? Or does it mean an atheist will never achieve anything in life?

Belief in god depend on people to people and it actually has nothing to do with your outcome in life. Coming to our second question, why do we believe in god, we believe in god because it gives a sense of purpose, direction and spiritual pleasure. A belief that there exists an unknown supernatural power who will protect us will give us a sense of relief and reassurance of life.

That spiritual power will, in turn, give us peace of mind and will help us propagate through lives challenges with better preparedness. Our belief in God will help us prepare better for life but at the end of the day, we will have to fight our own battles. God will not fight our battles for us and surely god helps those who help themselves.

Short Essay on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves 200 Words

Short essay on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay is helpful for students of classes 1,2,3,4,5 and 6. God helps those who help themselves is the fundamental idea behind the finding of every religion in the world. No religion says that everything will be taken care of by God and that we need not do anything. The false belief that God does magic in our life without us doing any hard work is a wrong assumption that certain section of lazy human beings has made themselves.

Ask an athlete who has won a gold medal in a running race or ask a candidate who has secured the first rank in an exam or ask poor father about how he earns money so that his family can have a good standard of living. The answers you get will reassure you about this phrase “God helps those who help themselves. These are people who didn’t sit on their couches, helpless, without doing any hard work and expecting god to get them the gold medals or first rank or money to survive. No, they went out, worked hard and earned what they deserved. And these are the kind of people that gods prefer to helps, not lazy people who have no goals or aim in life.

10 Lines on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay

• God will help us give a sense of directions and purpose in life
• God does not have magical powers to help us solve our problems
• There is no substitute for hard work in this world, not even god
• God is meant to give us spiritual and mental power, not magical powers
• The spiritual power that we get from our belief in God will give us the energy to fight our problems
• Successful people work hard and pray to god that they get the energy to face difficult challenges in life
• No religion will tell you to not work hard and blindly believe in god
• God and his powers are a figment of our imagination which we use to gain peace of mind and reassurance
• If God exists, he will love people who work hard than the ones who blindly believe in him, doing nothing in life
• Different people believe in different kind of gods in this world.

FAQ’s on God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Essay

Question 1. How many religions are there in this world?

Answer: There are 4300 regions in this world

Question 2. Why do people believe in god?

Answer: Belief in God will give them a sense of purpose in life and confidence to face challenges

Question 3. Which is the largest religion in the world?

Answer: Christianity is the largest religion in the world

Question 4. How to define god?

Answer: God is defined by our own limit of imagination. From animals to human to trees, different people perceive god differently

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The Meaning Behind The Saying ‘God Helps Those Who Help Themselves’

The old adage ‘God helps those who help themselves’ is a popular phrase that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer:

This saying suggests that while God or a higher power may guide, bless, or support people, they expect people to put in effort to improve their situation rather than passively waiting for divine intervention .

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the origins, meaning, and relevance behind this common quote.

We’ll provide context around how it has been used in religious and secular settings as encouragement toward proactive problem-solving and personal growth.

The Exact Origins and History of the Phrase

Earliest known usages in ancient greco-roman philosophy.

The saying “God helps those who help themselves” has its roots in ancient Greco-Roman philosophy. Similar sentiments can be found in the writings of famous thinkers like Aesop , Sophocles , and Euripides from over 2,500 years ago.

For example, in one of Aesop’s fables dating back to the 6th century BCE, a farmer’s wagon gets stuck in the mud. Instead of praying to the gods, the farmer puts his shoulder to the wheel and manages to get the wagon out himself.

This illustrates the idea that we must make efforts to solve our problems instead of relying solely on divine or external help.

The playwright Euripides expressed a comparable thought in his famous work Alcestis , saying “Try first thyself, and after call in God; For to the worker God himself lends aid. “

This perfectly encapsulates how the gods were thought to assist those actively working to improve their situation.

Adoption into Judeo-Christian religious texts and teachings

In later centuries, this concept became absorbed into Judeo-Christian theology and texts. Around 200 CE, the Rabbi Hillel the Elder from the Jewish Talmud proclaimed: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I?

” emphasizing self-reliance balanced with concern for others. In the 16th century, the French Protestant reformer John Calvin utilized comparable language, advocating that believers must “give yourselves to the Lord” – i.e.

making earnest personal efforts towards salvation, rather than presuming heavenly assistance.

The English Protestant cleric and scholar Thomas Fuller appears to be one of the first to express the saying in its current form in his theological treatise The Holy State (1642): “ God helps them that help themselves “.

From here, it entered mainstream use as a moral and spiritual maxim in the English-speaking Protestant world.

Spread into mainstream English vernacular

By the mid 18th-early 19th century, the saying had been shortened to “help those who help themselves” or “God helps those…” and gained widespread currency outside of strictly religious contexts.

It was deployed to advocate values like self-reliance, diligence, and initiative.

Enlightenment thinkers like Benjamin Franklin later made use of the phrase to promote industriousness and personal determination as civic virtues.

Mark Twain helped further popularize it in America with his 1873 novel The Gilded Age , writing: “ Heaven helps those who help themselves “.

It became conventional wisdom offered as practical advice, losing some explicit religious overtones.

A 1912 US government report found it to be one of the most treasured and often-quoted sayings in the entire country at the time.

Interpretations of Meaning and Significance

In religious contexts.

The saying “God helps those who help themselves” is often discussed in religious circles. Some interpret it as aligning with biblical principles around personal responsibility, hard work, and trusting in God’s provision.

For example, the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 states “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is seen as an encouragement to depend on God while also putting in effort ourselves.

However, others debate whether the saying has potential to be misinterpreted as self-reliant instead of God-reliant.

There are concerns it could promote a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality that diminishes the importance of God’s grace and role in people’s lives.

In secular personal development teachings

Outside of religious contexts, the saying “God helps those who help themselves” is widely embraced in personal development circles.

It aligns with concepts around the growth mindset, grit, self-efficacy and more – that when we put in proactive effort, we’re more likely to see positive results and opportunities in life.

Famous motivational leaders often reference the phrase or concept.

For example, Tony Robbins has said, “I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. ” The saying motivates perseverance.

Debates around implications for social/economic issues

There are also debates around whether “God helps those who help themselves” promotes a problematic worldview that “blames the victim” regarding socioeconomic disadvantages.

Critics argue the saying implies that those struggling with poverty, health issues, disabilities and misfortune are not “helping themselves” enough to improve their circumstances.

That would fail to acknowledge very real systemic barriers many face through no fault of their own.

However, some contend the phrase still allows space for compassion, arguing that self-empowerment is important while also pushing for more community support where greater help is needed.

There are complex perspectives around how personal effort and societal aid interplay.

Examples and Applications Throughout History

Stories of hardship and perseverance.

Throughout history, there are countless stories of people overcoming great adversity through perseverance and hard work.

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many families suffered from poverty and food scarcity. However, some managed to make ends meet through resourcefulness and determination.

For instance, the Joad family in John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath epitomizes the struggles of Oakies who migrated west to California seeking opportunity despite immense challenges.

Helen Keller’s journey from blindness and deafness to becoming an accomplished author and activist demonstrates how someone can achieve great things through diligence and the help of others.

Keller was struck blind and deaf at 19 months old.

Interpreting the Saying for Yourself

Reflecting on your challenges and opportunities.

When faced with difficulties, it’s easy to feel helpless and wait for solutions to magically appear. However, the saying “God helps those who help themselves” encourages a more proactive approach. Take time for introspection – what resources do you have available to address the challenges before you?

Making a list can reveal possibilities you hadn’t considered. Brainstorm creative solutions rather than dwelling on limitations. Even small actions move you forwards.

As inventor Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Doing your part, even imperfectly, invites divine support.

Developing a balanced perspective

While self-reliance is important, beware of believing that outcomes depend entirely on your efforts. External factors always play a role. Strive for balance between accepting responsibility and acknowledging that situations often involve complex dynamics beyond your control.

As President Theodore Roosevelt stated, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Avoid both victim mentality and grandiose self-importance.

Appreciate interconnection with others, nature and life’s mysteries. Act thoughtfully rather than impulsively reacting.

As entrepreneur Richard Branson advised, “Listen more than you talk. Nobody learned anything by hearing themselves speak.” Wisdom arises in contemplative inner stillness.

In closing, while the encouragement toward proactivity in ‘God helps those who help themselves’ continues to deeply resonate, its meaning also depends greatly on context.

As you interpret it for your own life, reflect carefully on your unique circumstances, capabilities and responsibilities.

With thoughtful examination, it can motivate perseverance yet also reveal where support or understanding may be needed from others.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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Essay On God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

• Post category: Essay
• Reading time: 5 mins read

We believe in God and his mercy on us. However, it would be not right to think that God has sent us in this world, and He is responsible to look after us. Such a thinking and attitude is dangerous and completely wrong. God has given us birth and has equipped us with a body, a mind and a soul to do our own good.

Our body, mind and soul are the greatest gifts given to us by God. If a person having wealth keeps it locked in the bank without putting it to any use, such person would die of starvation. No one can help such a fool, not even God. Similarly, if a drowning man in a river firmly believes that God would help him miraculously by lifting him out of the water and does not make any efforts to save himself will surely drown. What else could happen in such a case?

People usually believe that if they pray to get everything, they will be given all by God. That is not true. It is foolish to have such a belief. God will help only those who are willing to help themselves. In other words, we should put our own sincere efforts to help ourselves if we get into trouble or a dangerous situation. Doing nothing and only believing that God will miraculously get us out of it, is stupidity.

God would only help a person who is ready and determined to work hard in order to achieve his goal. He never helps those who love to sit lazy and idle in their own dreams. One must make labours and struggle to achieve, only then the person will be rewarded. However, this is not possible unless God wants us to be rewarded, and this can be called as destiny.

One can sow the seed of future success by working without many long breaks. Person should keep on working hard until he reaches his aim. If he thinks that, he has sowed the seed, his job is over, and now God will do the rest than that is not going to happen. Even the food served before us would reach your month only when our hands and fingers work to carry it up. God will not come to feed us.

Therefore, it is advisable to depend upon our own efforts and pray to God to let you succeed. Many things are shaped by prayer too, but not just by prayer. Our efforts are most important and prayers will support our efforts. Therefore, we can say that God helps, but helps only those who help themselves.

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God helps those who help themselves - is it in the Bible?

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Question: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ Is there something that I can do? Do I have any responsibility towards helping myself? Is not the act of helping myself against surrender?

Acharya Prashant: A few things need to be clear in this regard. It says, ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ What is coming first here, your attempt to help yourself or the help of God?

Listener: Your attempt to help yourself?

AP: That is the misconception! It is usually construed that when we will help ourselves then God will come to help us. We have then put the action of God in a cause-effect limit. Effectively, we have built a handle upon God. We have said, “I know how to switch-on the act of God. I know how to make ‘Him’ help me.” How to switch Him on? “Start helping yourself, and then He will come to help you.”

Now that makes it very easy; it is programmed and mechanical.

This is exactly how the ego operates. It thinks, it seriously thinks, that it can have a handle upon God as well. It seriously thinks that the beyond will operate as per its wishes. “I will help myself and thereby I will make Him help me.” Now read this whole thing again.

‘God helps those who help themselves.’ Can it be read in a different light? The whole game of wisdom statements, spiritual statements is that, you are required to read them right, otherwise, everything gets inverted. Not only misplaced, or displaced, or removed a little, but it takes a meaning that is totally opposite of the intended meaning. That is what we have done to all the wisdom sayings and holy scriptures throughout the centuries: we have read them via the ego. We do not know any other means of operating. After all, we cannot suddenly be a changed mind!

When I go to a holy book, after all I am the same man who went to the market, who went to the office, who went to the brothel. Or am I a different one? My underlying tendencies are the same, and I am carrying them everywhere, and with those same tendencies, I approach the holy book as well. I may pretend to be clean. I may say, “No, this is a very important moment and a very auspicious occasion, and I must read this book with full attention.” But in spite of all my claims and intentions, I am the same.

Man has put his dirty hands upon all the holy sayings, upon all the scriptures and all the words of wisdom. This is a perfect example: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ It truly means that all your attempts to help yourself are powered by God. First comes God’s help and only then you can help yourself; because it is only through God’s help that you can know the real meaning of helping.

Now understand this very carefully: there would be then two types of help. The first type is: when you are helping yourself first without accounting for God’s help, without caring for God’s help, without surrendering to God’s help, without even knowing the meaning of help. And that is what the entire world is doing.

We all have good intentions, at least toward ourselves, right? No one deliberately wants to harm himself. We do want to help ourselves. But the more we want to help ourselves, the more we move towards devastation and destruction. It is because our help originates from ‘us,’ and not from God. Not only does it originate from us, we are arrogant enough to claim that when we will try to help ourselves, God will be moved in a way mandated to help me.

As if I have cleared a qualification exam, as if I have passed an entry criteria, as if now I can go and stake a claim that now I am eligible for your help. “Why do you not give it to me?” As if God is a service provider. This is the first type of help.

This is how we all try to help ourselves. Like a drunkard tries to help the world, like parents try to help their kids, like husband and wife try to help each other. They only end up devastating and killing each other. Like we move on certain paths thinking that these are good for us and we will be helped; and to our utter dismay, frustration, and surprise, we do not know what has happened.

“I tried the best. I moved on seemingly the best path available to me. There was nothing missing in my intention or efforts, and yet I am suffering.” You are suffering exactly because you tried to help yourself.

Not only did you try to help yourself, you also summoned God. “Now I am trying to help myself, you come and join me. It’s my car that I am pushing. You also push it from behind. It’s your duty. After all some wise man has said that God helps those who help themselves. I am helping myself, you too come now. How can you violate this saying? My interpretation of this saying is bigger than God. So you come.” This is the first kind of help that we give ourselves.

Then there is another kind of help which starts from God and moves you. Here action doesn’t come first, grace comes first. And the mark of ‘His’ grace is that he never tells you what to do. This is one test that you can use. If ever God will speak to you, ‘He’ will never tell you what to do. ‘He’ will only tell you what it is like. ‘He’ will only tell you what is. ‘He’ will never tell you what to do. What to do, ‘He’ always leaves upon you. Go and do what you want to do. I will only tell you what it ‘is,’ because what ‘is’, is God. That is the only thing ‘He’ can ever tell.

If ever you come across somebody who says, “God has commanded me to do this,” he knows nothing. God never commands you to do something, never. In fact, God never commands you. The only way God ever helps you is by showing ‘Himself’ to you; and He does not have a particular shape or appearance. He shows himself to you in the form of understanding. That is why the Upanishads say, ‘*Pragyanam Brahm*’ (Understanding itself is God).

There is no God except ‘understanding’. Or put it this way that God reveals himself to you in the form of understanding. Now you know; and whosoever knows can never tell what he has known for the simple reason that only God can be known, and God cannot be described. That is the reason why those who know always fail in their attempt to describe, explain, articulate what they have known. They sing, they dance, it radiates from their being in a thousand ways, but still they are never able to express it fully.

Expression is always incomplete. So you want to express it more, and more, and more, and you want to sing more, and more, and more . . . it’s never complete. That is the way God helps you. Now you know and once you know, whatever you do will be in the direction of your help; whatever you do will help you.

His help has come; now you go ahead and do whatever you want to do – everything else is secondary. The biggest help has arrived, the entire caravan loaded with help has arrived. You want to gather a few things here and there, you are free to do that, go ahead.

It is because of ‘His’ help that you can really help yourself.

So when you come to a situation where you are doing whatever you are doing and realizing that you are not the doer of it, and realizing that you cannot take the credit for it, then that is the moment when you also realize that the first mover is somebody else, that the first help came from somewhere else.

You asked, ‘What is my responsibility towards myself? What is it that ‘I’ can do?’ You do whatever you can do remembering that you are not doing it. That is self-help! If you think that you are helping yourself, it becomes the first kind of help. Then instead of helping yourself, only harm will come to you.

Do whatever you want to do, but first understand what the meaning of ‘self’ is, and what the meaning of ‘help’ is, and then proceed, dance, the world is your stage. Is this clear? Understand what ‘self’ is and what ‘help’ is. In understanding this, you will dissolve. In understanding this, you will no more remain the doer of the action of help.

Are you getting this?

Instead of running blindly with the intention to achieve something, with the objective of betterment or progress, pause and ask, “In self-help, what is the ‘self’ and what is it that wants to be helped?” How can ‘That’ be helped?

This pausing itself is God. This pausing won’t happen without the help of God. This pausing is ‘understanding,’ this pausing is ‘freedom’. In this pausing lies unlimited opportunity to act in the appropriate way. In this pausing, and in this freedom, whichever way you choose to act, is the appropriate way.

I am repeating this: God’s help does not arrive to you in the form of an advisory – “Go ahead son and do this.” Never! There is only one way God has to help you. God himself is the way.

What is the way of God to help you? God! God has no other way. If God has a way, understand this, then there has to be a way other than God.

If a car is moving on a way, then ‘the car’ and ‘the way’ have to be separate. How can God have a ‘way’? All of God’s ways are God Himself. So the only way God will ever help you is by revealing ‘Himself’ to you. And when he reveals ‘Himself’ to you, can you be outside of ‘Him’? And if you are outside of God when God has revealed ‘Himself’ to you, is it really God? An incomplete God you mean!

Will you remain yourself when the radiance of God shines in front of you? You are gone! There is nothing outside of God. The only way God helps you is by bringing you into godliness. Now you are God! That is why Pragyanam Brahm (Understanding is God) and Aham Brahmasmi (I am God) are so interrelated.

With understanding, you cannot remain what you are. If you say, “I am still what I used to be, but I understand,” then you are lying.

Understanding is total transformation, and it is not a transformation from ‘A to B’. Understanding is transformation from ‘A to nothingness’. Understanding means, “Only understanding remains. I am no more. I am gone. When I am gone, how can I help myself? Now all that I am doing to help myself, all that seems to be happening to help me, is surely not my action, surely not my action.”

Are you getting this? Let the first be first.

You won’t come first. You cannot say that I will help myself, then God will help me. Let the first be first, ‘He’ will help you. Getting this? That is your responsibility towards yourself. What? To allow yourself to be helped. That is your only responsibility towards yourself. Allow yourself to be helped. Till the time you are too eager to help yourself, God has fun. He says, “Fine you help yourself.”

Till the time you come up with such brilliant interpretation of sayings like these, God has a good time. He says, “Fine! He wants to help himself, let him help himself.”

When you stop helping yourself is the moment you pause . You stopped helping yourself.

All your movement is to help yourself. Just pause for a while. Just pause! The moment you pause, ‘He’ reveals himself . . . and then proceed. Now whatever you are doing to help yourself is the action of God, it is powered by God. It will be fun. “Powered by God, I am helping myself.” Very good fun. Why? Because now you don’t need to help yourself.

Do you still need help? But it will be good fun. “I am trying to do this. I am trying to do that. You know there are important tasks to be done. I need to achieve my goals.” Good fun! The help has already come. The final point has already been reached. The race has been won. If you still want to do a sprint or a jog, then it is okay.

Have you seen those runners who after winning still want to run a little more here and there? It’s not running anymore, it’s dancing – it’s a celebration. Are they running anymore? The race has been won already; the help has arrived already, but because you are a runner, it doesn’t befit you to stop. So keep running. A little more hop, and a leap, and a sprint.

Something has to be done, so keep doing. But really, you require no more help. Really, your own intervention is no more required.

You are already doing the most that you can do to help yourself, but that is the first kind of help. Now pause! Now pause and pray that ‘He’ helps you pause, because even pausing cannot happen with your will. Left to you, you will say, “I will pause when I reach there. Alright let’s pause at the thirty-second milestone. Now, the thirty-second milestone is gone. Fine, the next one, the next one.” You never pause! Have you seen people like these?

“Alright let’s pause when we reach there.” Targets are like dhabas, and tea shops upon highways. You always feel like stopping at the next one.

Stop wherever you are! You are always moving in God. Wherever you are, ‘He’ is.

Stop wherever you are. Just pausing will be required, and you will see.

Essay on “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves” for School, College Students, Long and Short English Essay, Speech for Class 10, Class 12, College and Competitive Exams.

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

It is a golden proverb which is applicable universally. Those who help themselves are helped by God and those who wait for God’s bounty to fall on them naturally are always disappointed. God comes to help those who earnestly go out to work. One who gives his heart and soul to his work is successful naturally and is further encouraged by the laurels he wins from his co-workers and masters. The satisfaction is the real reward bestowed upon him by the almighty God.

A man who is by nature a hard worker is bound to succeed in life. His permanent habit of self-help stands him in good stead always. He outshines everywhere. He becomes an ideal for others. Besides the material wealth he earns the wealth of good-will and respect from others. He is an expert in his work. His hand is the God’s hand. He has the Gods blessings. He has earned a name for himself. He earns lot of self-confidence. He does not see the face of failure in the worst of his misfortunes.

God always comes to help his devotee in distress. Who is a time devotee? One who is a sincere worker one who does his work honestly and whose conscience is clear who does never think of doing bad to anyone. One who has the muscles and nerves of steel but whose heart bleeds at the pain of others. He is the real devotee. God is always his helper. He never falls off in the race of life. He goes on winning each and every milestone of life quite comfortably and finally reaches the goal of his ambition.

The essence of the proverb is : Gird up your loins and the victory is yours; Success kisses your feet.

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Does God Really Help Those Who Help Themselves?

Dan Radmacher —  March 20, 2017

I am always surprised and amused to hear people talk about verses they think are in the Bible that are not. I led a small group of college guys and when they would stumble on these imaginary quotations, I would challenge them to tell me where it was written. My favorite was this: “God helps those who help themselves.”

The stuff that we think is in the Bible tells us more about ourselves than it does about God. What do you get in a society which thinks that God helps those who help themselves? Perhaps you get an industrious society. But you also get an overly busy society. You get a society that is stressed out, that is driven and exhausted. More than anything, you get a world that hates to wait.

But what I find in the Bible is that there are two paths that one can follow in life — the path of self-reliance or the path of faith. Isaiah 30 says, “Blessed are all those who wait for him.” In the 7th century B.C., Judah was at the crossroads of a power struggle between Assyria and Egypt. There was a faction that wanted to make an alliance with Egypt. Into this crisis, Isaiah gave sage advice: “‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’”

1. The path of waiting is the path of surrender. The word “returning” here really means to surrender. It means returning from the battlefield and laying down your arms. This is a picture of giving yourself over to someone. What happens when you surrender? You release control. You abandon yourself to the will of someone else. That is the essence of surrender. That can be a frightening proposition for us. But the bottom line is that you’re not abandoning yourself to the enemy; you’re abandoning yourself to God and his gracious plan.

We all have a picture in our heads of what our future should contain, and we are determined to secure that for ourselves. In 2013, I gathered a small core group of close friends and ministry partners to plant a church. They were a dynamic group; I remember thinking that it was going to explode with growth. However, the going was much tougher than we thought. We were devastated after three years when we had to pull the plug and close Resonate. It was gut-wrenching.

During one of our last services, my 8-year-old son turned to me during the worship time and said, “Daddy, I want to put the $100 bill that grandpa gave me into the offering box.” I asked why, and he said, “Because I don’t want our church to go away.” We fight to hold onto our vision of the future, but God says to us instead, “Surrender.”

Rest is the result of surrender. You may not know this, but there is a comfort in that place in the hollow of God’s hand. There is a quiet calmness and confidence in the midst of the storm. The result is not weakness, but inexplicable strength.

2. The purpose of waiting is to teach you what God is like . As it turns out, the Israelites didn’t listen to Isaiah, and so they paid a high price. But even having taken the wrong path, God didn’t abandon them. Here is what the prophet tells them on behalf of God: “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”

We are given a divine perspective into who God is and how he works. In this passage, God postpones deliverance. He withholds rescue so that adversity can teach them and can bring them to dependence. Why would God allow that kind of suffering? He wants to reorient my hope. He wants to change the path that I’m on. If you have yet to come to the end of yourself, then rescue is simply interference in your plans. But God cares more about my growth than my personal comfort, and as much as I struggle with that truth, I have to admit that it reveals his grace. Waiting is the place where we discover God’s mercy and grace.

I don’t really know if God helps those who help themselves, but I do know that there are two paths before you in life: the path of self-reliance and the path of faith. Which one will you choose? Blessed is the one who waits for him.

Daniel Radmacher (’90, M.Div. ’04) is a pastor, author, church planter and an erstwhile musician. He lives in Pasadena, Calif., with his wife, Brenda, and his children, Drake and Ivy. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, or at his website, danradmacher.com.

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Blog / Did You Know the Saying “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves” Isn’t in the Bible?

Did You Know the Saying “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves” Isn’t in the Bible?

“God helps those who help themselves.”

He isn’t alone: one in 8 Americans believe the Bible not only teaches this, but that it says this, too.

And yet if you went searching for it in the book of Proverbs or in the sayings of Jesus, you’d be out of luck—it’s nowhere in the Bible. In fact, the Bible says and teaches the exact opposite!

So if it’s not in the Bible, where’d it come from? And what does the Bible say instead?

[ Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Did You Know Jesus’ Ancestors Are Not Who You Think They Are? ]

Benjamin Franklin Offers God’s Help to Those Who Help Themselves

…let us hearken to good advice, and something may be done for us. “God helps them that help themselves,” as Poor Richard says, in his almanac of 1733.

While this may sound superficially like the kind of proverb you might hear from a committed Christian, Franklin was a deist. He didn’t believe in a personal God who is actively involved in the affairs of people, but rather in a God who set the world in motion but stands at a distance while we fend for ourselves.

So not only is this motto not in the Bible, it wasn’t popularized by someone who was committed to the historic Christian faith and the Bible’s teachings on God’s character.

[ Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Did You Know That the Founder of Christianity Was Jewish? ]

Aesop Promises Help from the Gods When We Help Ourselves

A WAGGONER was once driving a heavy load along a very muddy way. At last he came to a part of the road where the wheels sank half-way into the mire, and the more the horses pulled, the deeper sank the wheels. So the Waggoner threw down his whip, and knelt down and prayed to Hercules the Strong. “O Hercules, help me in this my hour of distress,” quoth he. But Hercules appeared to him, and said: “Tut, man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. “The gods help them that help themselves.”

Though this catchy slogan sounds like something from the Bible’s book of Proverbs, its origin is likely in Aesop’s fables (or in ancient proverbs that inspired them).

The Quran Promises Allah’s Help After We Change Ourselves

While this motto isn’t in the Bible, a variation of it can be found in another religious text: the Quran. The Quran’s Ar-Ra’d 13:11 reads:

Indeed Allah will not change the conditions of a population until they change what is in themselves.

In this passage, the Quran expects a person to help himself by changing his own attitude and behavior before God will come to his aid. The principle is the same as that in Aesop’s proverb: those who expect divine help must first get the ball rolling themselves.

What Does the Bible Say Instead?

Whatever its origin, this popular motto doesn’t reflect what the Bible teaches. In fact, it’s the exact opposite of biblical teaching!

For example, the Old Testament book of Proverbs teaches that relying on ourselves, rather than on the wisdom of God, is foolhardy:

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. ( Proverbs 28:26 )

If we can’t trust ourselves, then what hope do we have? Fortunately, the Bible has an answer. The prophet Isaiah declares that God helps those who are utterly helpless :

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall ( Isaiah 25:4 )

God provides tangibly for those who are helpless and needy . God helps those who can’t help themselves. And who does the Bible consider helpless? Everyone! “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” the Bible tells us:

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” ( Romans 3:10–12 )

When it comes to our greatest need—rescue from sin and death—there’s nothing we can do to save ourselves. All have turned from God; all have sinned. We are utterly unable to find true spiritual peace through our own efforts. Thankfully, that is where God comes in:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ( Romans 5:6,8 )

Christ’s death is the solution to the problem of sin and death that we can’t solve on our own. It’s tempting to think that we might be able to help ourselves out of even this predicament, but the Bible clearly teaches that there’s nothing we can do on our own to find salvation.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. ( Ephesians 2:8–9 )

Our help comes from God alone, and it happens when we turn our lives over to him in faith, trusting in the work of Christ on the cross. This isn’t something we work for; and there’s certainly nothing we can change about ourselves to make us worthy of God’s help. Instead, we are saved by the passionate, undeserved love of God. It’s his gift to us!

So the next time you hear someone say “God helps those who help themselves,” remind them what the Bible says instead: God helps those who can’t help themselves .

That means you, me… and the world.

This is the kind of fascinating Bible insight you’ll gain when you upgrade to Bible Gateway Plus ! You’ll be equipped and empowered to answer your questions about the Bible. Try it free for 30 days!

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Does The Bible Say God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

The saying, “God helps those who help themselves” is a popular proverb often attributed to the Bible. However, in its true biblical context, the idea of “helping oneself” reflects a different concept than it has come to suggest in everyday life. To better understand the concept, it is important to consider the verses in which the proverb is derived from.

The origin of this saying actually comes from the book of Aesop’s Fables and came to be popularized during the 18th century. The basic Biblical form of the saying, “He that will not work, shall not eat”, is found in both Pauline and non-Pauline literature and is seen as one of the fundamental principles of the Bible. It is important to note that in its true biblical context the idea of “helping oneself” does not directly refer to acting independently or relying solely on one’s own efforts and resources. Rather, it is a call to action and an invitation to be proactive in demonstrating one’s faith and trust in God.

Christian theologians have long debated the concept of grace vs. works, particularly in relation to salvation. While salvation is a free gift from God and comes as a result of His grace, it is important to note that the Bible also calls believers to a righteous and holy life lived to the glory of God. Acts of Christian service are viewed as a response of gratitude and obedience to God’s grace, rather than an effort to earn salvation. The faithfulness and obedience of believers is a recognition of the grace that God has already shown.

In essence, the true meaning of the proverb is that God rewards those who are obedient and faithful to Him. Rather than suggesting that God will help those who rely solely on their own strength and resources, it is rather a reminder that God will reward those who trust in Him and act in accordance with His will. It is an invitation to action and an encouragement to demonstrate faith in Him.

In conclusion, the idea of “God helps those who help themselves” is often misinterpreted in today’s society to suggest that we should rely solely on our own strength and resources. However, in its true biblical context, the proverb is an encouragement to act in obedience and faithfulness to God, as such action is seen as an acknowledgement of the grace that He has already given. It is a reminder that our obedience and faithfulness will be rewarded by God.

Grace and Obedience

At its core, the Bible teaches that we are saved by grace. It is a free gift offered to us by God through the death of His Son Jesus. However, the concept is not without its challenges. There is a discrepancy between the idea of grace alone being sufficient for salvation and the teaching that a faithful and obedient life is required to demonstrate an acknowledgement of God’s grace.

At the same time, the Bible does call believers to live obediently and faithfully. The Ten Commandments, for example, provide direction for a righteous and holy life. The book of Proverbs, for example, is filled with wisdom for godly living. As such, obedience and faithfulness are seen as necessary expression of faith and gratitude in response to God’s grace.

It is in this way then, that the proverb “God helps those who help themselves” becomes a reminder to act with sincerity and be faithful and obedient to God. Through our commitment and dedication to living a holy and righteous life, we demonstrate an acknowledgement of the grace that we have already received.

In doing so, we are able to experience the fullness of God’s grace in our lives and be rewarded with His blessings in a way that surpasses our own understanding and effort. This is the real message of the proverb “God helps those who help themselves” – not to rely solely on one’s own strength and resources, but to instead trust in God’s grace and act in accordance with His will.

God’s Will and Guidance

In addition to living faithfully and obediently, the Bible also teaches that there is guidance and provision available to us if we seek God and His will. The book of Isaiah states that “all those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. Here, believers are called to trust in God and to seek His guidance through prayer and meditation on the scripture.

The book of Philippians further states that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory”. This passage speaks to the abundance and richness of God’s provision and grace. Here, believers are assured that God will provide for them according to His will, if only they are humble and seek His guidance.

As such, “God helps those who help themselves” is both a call to action and an invitation to seek and rely on God’s will. Believers are called to be proactive in their faith and to live in obedience to God and His word, while at the same time trusting in the grace and provision of God and seeking His guidance.

Putting God First

Ultimately, the proverb “God helps those who help themselves” reminds believers to put God first in their lives. This is done through thankful acknowledgement of His grace and provision, as well as through faithful obedience to His will. Believers are called to live a life of holiness and righteousness, and to seek the guidance of the Bible.

It is also important for believers to take initiative and to be proactive in their faith. This may include evangelism, serving those in need, and expressing gratitude to God for His grace and love. When we are mindful of God’s will and put Him first, we are reminded that we don’t need to rely on our own strength and resources, but can draw upon the power and provision of God.

The phrase “God helps those who help themselves” is an invitation to action and an encouragement to trust in the grace and provision of God. It is a reminder of the faithfulness and obedience that is expected of us as believers, while at the same time trusting in the guidance and provision of our Father.

Responding to God’s grace

Grace is an essential part of the Christian faith as it is through grace that salvation is offered. This is a free gift from God, and believers are called to respond to it with thanksgiving, faithful obedience and love. This can be done through service to others, the practice of spiritual disciplines, and the pursuit of a godly and righteous lifestyle.

Believers are also called to seek guidance from God and to trust in His provision. Through prayer and study of the scripture, believers can discern God’s will and can put Him first in their lives. In this way, believers are reminded that God helps those who help themselves and that through faithful action, obedience and love, we can experience the blessing and favor of God.

Witnessing to the world

The proclamation of the gospel is one of the primary functions of the church and believers are called to share the good news of God’s grace to the world. Evangelism is not only an announcement of God’s saving grace, but it is also an act of obedience and an invitation to respond to God’s grace and provision. Through witnessing to the world, believers are called to be proactive in their faith and to trust in God’s guidance.

In addition to evangelism, believers are also called to serve those in need. Through acts of mercy, compassion and kindness, believers are reminded that God helps those who help themselves. In this way, believers are able to witness to the world that God is a God of grace, love, and provision.

Ultimately, believers are called to be proactive in their faith and to put God first in their lives. Through prayer and meditation on the scripture, believers can discern God’s will and trust in His guidance. Furthermore, believers are called to demonstrate their faithfulness and obedience to God’s will and to respond to His grace by living a godly, righteous and holy life.

Marcos Reyna

Marcos Reyna is a Christian author and speaker. He is dedicated to helping create disciples of Christ through spreading the power of the gospel to others. He has written several books and articles on a variety of theological topics, including matters of faith, worship, biblical studies, practical ethics, and social justice. A trained theologian and devotee of spiritual writing, Marcos has a mission to spread Christian love everywhere. He lives with his family in Nashville, TN where he spends his days encouraging others to seek Christ's grace in all things.

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Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Reflective Essay Topic – God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

You can find Previous Year Reflective Essay Topics asked in ICSE board exams.

Introduction: Importance of self help

• Inspiring life stories of great men
• Fortune favours the brave
• Importance of Karma in the Hindu mythology

Conclusion: Need to strive for our betterment

“God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest,” said J G Holland. God indeed has provided everything in the universe for our life and comfort. One has only to reach out and enjoy the splendor so abundantly bestowed for us.

There is an old fable of a carter whose wagon got stuck in the mud, Bewildered he prayed to ‘Hercules’ the God of strength to get it out for him. Hercules answered his prayer saying, “Put your shoulder to the wheel man.” The carter took his advice and the wagon was out of the mud. This simple old fable portrays the value of self-help.

There are many inspiring stories of great men born in extreme poverty, but by hard work and sincerity they rose to the highest positions in their country. Names like Abraham Lincoln and Lai Bahadur Shastri are illustrious examples of what can be achieved by self-help. Abraham Lincoln began his life as a woodcutter, while Shastri was a schoolteacher. They rose to become the President and the Prime Minister of their respective countries.

We are also privy to real life ‘rags to riches’ stories of many great industrialists. They started from scratch and in course of time became wealthy, creating great industrial empires. Few examples being Swaraj Paul and our own Dirubhai Ambani of the Caparo and Reliance Industries fame.

While Swaraj Paul came as a refugee from Pakistan, Dimbhai a small trader of Gujarat, challenged the multinationals and founded the largest private sector company in the country. They achieved such phenomenal success because of hard work, perseverance and enterprise. They are living examples of the adage ‘Fortune favours the brave.’

According to the Hindu mythology, Karma or deed is of supreme importance and is the purpose of life. Lord Krishna in the the Bhagwad Gita, extolling the virtue of ‘Karma’ inspired Arjun, to fight for his right, for that was his Karma as a Kshatriya. According to the Gita one should continue to do karma (duty) and not wait for reward, for it is bound to follow sooner or later.

Undoubtedly ‘God helps those who help themselves’, for one achieves nothing without effort. We must therefore strive for our own betterment.

Assignments

• Self Help. “No gain, no pain, no thorn, no throne. No gall, no glory, no cross no crown.”
• “Fortune favours the brave” Discuss.

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22 Bible Verses about Helps Those Who Help Themselves

2 thessalonians 3:10 esv / 30 helpful votes helpful not helpful.

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

James 2:26 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Philippians 2:12-13 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Luke 11:9 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Psalm 30:10 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hear, O Lord , and be merciful to me! O Lord , be my helper!”

James 2:18 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

1 Timothy 5:1-25 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, ...

Psalm 91:1-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord , “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ...

Philippians 2:12 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Romans 5:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

John 15:5 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Luke 11:9-10 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Hebrews 13:6 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Isaiah 64:1-12 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? ...

Proverbs 28:26 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Acts 13:22 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

Jeremiah 17:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Thus says the Lord : “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord .

Psalm 33:20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Our soul waits for the Lord ; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 27:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!

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Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.

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God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

The phrase 'God helps those who help themselves' is said when one needs to take action and help themselves rather than praying for divine intervention to solve the problem. Example in use: "You better start studying for your math exam as God helps those who help themselves."

Interesting fact about God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

This is a biblical phrase based on a paragraph in Zechariah 9:1