Friday, January 29, 2010

MISQUOTING THE BIBLE

How many times have we heard this saying: God helps those who help themselves? How many of us have come to believe that this is an actual quote from the Holy Bible? The truth is, it is not a scripture and it is no where to be found in the Bible. It is acutally contrary to Biblical teaching.

The quote orginated in the 1700's by none other than Benjamin Franklin. His thinking was somewhat on the humanistic side, that we will succeed on our own if we put out the effort. Perhaps with a little back up from God.

The Bible teaches that God's grace and mercy is extended because we can't help ourselves. It states that true religion is to help the orphan and widow (James 1:27). Who could be less capable of helping themselves than the orphan and the widow? The Bible also speaks of helping the down and out (Matthew 25:34-40).

Some may ask about 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (...."If a man will not work, he shall not eat." NIV). This is totally unrelated to helping. This is a direct reference to laziness.

There is much that can be said about this. If you have something to add, or a pertinent comment, please share. If you believe this quote is in the Bible and can give me a scripture reference, please do so.

God Bless, Dr. Bobbi



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our orders--backed up by the Master, Jesus--are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. We didn't sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn't be burdened with taking care of us. And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious.

Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. this must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immdiately--no excuses, no arguments--and earn their own keep. Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

The Apostle Paul didn't flower up his words did he? I appreciate your totally Biblical appendix to this blog. I believe it helps to differentiate between truly being helpless and being a sluggard. Thanks so much and God bless.