Which of these 2 positions is more in line with biblical teachings?

[MattRose]

"God helps those who help themselves", or "a person's worth is measured by how much he gives to the poor".

These two sentences, while not mutually exclusive, are nearly opposite in what they imply. If only one of these statements is correct, which one is correct according to the bible (please show your work).

 

[Faulty]

You won't find either one in the Bible.

 

[chilehed]

(please show your work).

What, like it's a math problem?

"God helps those who help themselves", or "a person's worth is measured by how much he gives to the poor".

These two sentences, while not mutually exclusive, are nearly opposite in what they imply. If only one of these statements is correct, which one is correct according to the bible (please show your work).

They're both wrong.

No one is able to help themselves; the best we can do is to respond to the grace that God gives us. And he gives sufficient grace to everyone.

And although almsgiving is an important act of corporal mercy, our worth is determined by the fact that we are icons of God.

 

[solarwave]

"God helps those who help themselves", or "a person's worth is measured by how much he gives to the poor".

These two sentences, while not mutually exclusive, are nearly opposite in what they imply. If only one of these statements is correct, which one is correct according to the bible (please show your work).

I'm not sure I can that only one is right. The Bible emphasises helping the poor a lot so I would lean to that side, but if one is poor then they should try to help themselves. The two sentences focus on two different types of people and so can both be true. At the same time I don't think either of the sentences are totally true, but what they are trying to say may be.

 

[drich0150]

"God helps those who help themselves", or "a person's worth is measured by how much he gives to the poor".

These two sentences, while not mutually exclusive, are nearly opposite in what they imply. If only one of these statements is correct, which one is correct according to the bible (please show your work).

Both of these "sayings" are not biblical based. Why? Because they stress a works based faith, or a works based economy where our righteousness is dependent on what we do. This principle while it can be very religious in nature is counter the teaching of scripture.

 

[MattRose]

Where is that bible verse where it says something about leaving some grain behind in the field for the poor and aliens?

 

[drich0150]

Where is that bible verse where it says something about leaving some grain behind in the field for the poor and aliens?

Their isn't a verse like that found anywhere in the new testament. The OT Jews had this command..

Even so what does this have to do with your original question?

 

[MattRose]

Their isn't a verse like that found anywhere in the new testament. The OT Jews had this command..

Even so what does this have to do with your original question?

What's it to you? You're not my mom.

Do you want to be my mom? Can you cook? How late would you let me stay out?

 

[Galvanized]

"God helps those who help themselves", or "a person's worth is measured by how much he gives to the poor".

These two sentences, while not mutually exclusive, are nearly opposite in what they imply. If only one of these statements is correct, which one is correct according to the bible (please show your work).

Well, giving to the poor is definitely a "good work", but your value isn't measured by works. Remember that the Thief on the cross was still saved, even though he died in disgrace. He was not measured as less worthy than everybody else in God's sight. The Bible teaches that there isn't a man alive or in the past who was ever good, except the Immanuel, "God with Us". It is the righteousness of Christ that is imputed onto us that does it. Not any amount of giving to the poor.

On the other hand, sloth is also definitely something to becareful of. So, the bottom line, the Bible recommends both actions but minus the "your worth is measured by this or that".

You said "show your work". If you desire the scriptures to back up these sayings of mine, tell me and I will gather them for you. It would only take me a few minutes, if you want them. (If I'm offline, I'll do it once I log back on the next day or so.)

 

[ebia]

"God helps those who help themselves", or "a person's worth is measured by how much he gives to the poor".

These two sentences, while not mutually exclusive, are nearly opposite in what they imply. If only one of these statements is correct, which one is correct according to the bible (please show your work).

Neither is exactly biblical, but the bible says a lot about the vitality of caring for the poor but nothing remotely like "God helps those who help themselves".

 

[ebia]

Where is that bible verse where it says something about leaving some grain behind in the field for the poor and aliens?

Leviticus 19:9-10
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God.

Also Deuteronomy 24:
19 When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all your undertakings. 20 When you beat your olive trees, do not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow. 21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow. 22 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this.

Also Ruth