“IT SEEMS HARMLESS”

12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”

Proverbs 14:12

In a Barna study conducted in 2017, 52 percent of practicing Christians strongly agreed that the Bible teaches “God helps those who help themselves.” It sounds good, that’s why many are led to believe that this is true. But I will probably press the brake pedal hard before embracing this theology.

Why is this term problematic? Because it is not found anywhere in the Bible. Even the books of poetry and wisdom such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes do not teach such an idea.

History

While it seems to sound somewhat Christian, this saying does not have any biblical source.

Most people attribute this saying to Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. He quoted this term in his yearly Poor Richard’s Almanac in 1757. Franklin was a deist but did not 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 watches creation from a distance.

However, it originated from Algernon Sydney, an English politician in 1698. He wrote an article titled “Discourses Concerning Government.” Take note, that Mr. Sidney was a politician, not a theologian. His writing should be taken as a political piece, not a biblical commentary.

What Does this Saying Imply?

From the surface, it sounds like a good idea. Why? Doesn’t it make sense to at least try to help myself before going to God for help? Besides, aren’t we called to work hard? The idea is that one must get himself right before God would look down and help him. In other words, try to do good and God might help you. Unfortunately, this idea is not Christian at all.

Why is it a Problem?

It’s a problem because it teaches you to be the first source of help and strength. It puts God in second place. While this sounds good in the ears of someone who has little biblical grounding, a careful study of Scripture will reveal that it reverses God’s intended order.

If anything, today’s verse reminds us to be wary of believing ideas that sound good but have no biblical source. The writer uses an image of a traveler on a straight road; it seems safe but is actually deadly since it leads to the wrong destination.

In the same way, this saying seems harmless, but thinking this way contradicts what the Bible teaches. In this series, I will give five reasons explaining why this is so. That's coming up on Tuesday. 

Pursue the Savior today!