“God helps those who help themselves”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase suggests that individuals should take initiative and put in effort to achieve their goals rather than waiting passively for divine intervention or external assistance.
Tone Encouraging and self-empowering
Where it comes from
The phrase is often mistakenly thought to be from the Bible, but it actually comes from ancient Greek literature. The sentiment has been expressed in various forms over time, with similar ideas appearing in Aesop’s fables. It was popularized in its current English form by Benjamin Franklin in his Poor Richard’s Almanack in the 18th century.
Examples
- After losing his job, Mark remembered the saying ‘God helps those who help themselves’ and began looking for new opportunities.
- Instead of waiting for a promotion, Sarah decided to pursue further education and skill-building, embodying the adage ‘God helps those who help themselves.’
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