Today's text from the ESV Study Bible: Isaiah 31-34.
How was your worldview shaped, and where do you now turn when you find yourself in need of true truth?
Did you know that, according to the Barna Group, a majority of Americans believe that the phrase, "God helps those who help themselves" is found in the Bible?
This little phrase, evidently actually coined by Benjamin Franklin, seems rather benign. But isn't it interesting that over the centuries this phrase has come to be believed by most, and even believed to be part of God's holy word?
Furthermore, because this phrase has indeed become a part of the American psyche, a great many will defend this worldview without really understanding all of its implications.
So, does God help those who help themselves?
I suppose it depends on how we are going to define "help themselves".
Certainly God has made it clear that if we don't work, then we don't eat. So, in this sense, this maxim seems to be true.
But, if we take this maxim to a matter of faith, then it is clear that God would take issue.
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help
and rely on horses,
who trust in chariots because they are many
and in horsemen because they are very strong,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel
or consult the Lord!
(Isaiah 31:1)
The Egyptians are man, and not God,
and their horses are flesh, and not spirit.
When the Lord stretches out his hand,
the helper will stumble, and he who is helped will fall,
and they will all perish together.
(Isaiah 31:3)
One of the many charges that God brought against Israel and Judah is that they continually placed their faith in things other than God. This included false gods, themselves, and even other nations.
In this particular case, the nation of Judah is afraid of Assyria and amazingly turns back to their former captures (Egypt) for help, rather than calling upon Yahweh.
One amazing example of this is the narrative of King Jehoshaphat.
Therefore, I think a better worded maxim would be:
God helps those who place their trust in Him, and lives their lives according to His precepts.
Who knows, perhaps Benjamin Franklin's maxim will be replaced by mine. It could happen! :)