While society often encourages self-care and self-help, what does the Bible say about helping yourself first? Let’s explore whether the Bible supports this concept and how it balances self-care with serving others in a Christ-like way.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Finding Yourself
What Does The Bible Say About Helping Yourself First
Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and committing our plans to Him. By putting our trust in the Lord and seeking His wisdom, we can ensure that our efforts are aligned with His will.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
As believers, we are reminded that we have the strength and ability to accomplish anything through Christ. This verse encourages us to rely on God’s strength and power to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
By committing our ways to the Lord and placing our trust in Him, we can have assurance that He will guide and bless our efforts. This verse reminds us of the importance of surrendering our plans to God and relying on His faithfulness.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
This verse emphasizes the need to trust in God wholeheartedly and not rely on our own limited understanding. By submitting to God’s guidance and direction, we can be confident that He will lead us in the right paths.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
This verse reassures us that God is our ultimate counselor and teacher. When we seek His guidance, He promises to provide wisdom and direction for our lives. We can trust in His loving care as He watches over us.
Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
God promises to guide us and lead us in the right path. This verse reminds us to tune our ears to hear His voice and follow His direction. Even when faced with choices, we can trust that God will show us the way we should go.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus teaches us the importance of seeking God’s kingdom above all else. By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His righteousness, we can trust that He will provide for our needs and bless our endeavors.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse reminds us to approach everything we do with the intention of glorifying God. By aligning our actions and decisions with God’s will, we can find purpose and fulfillment in serving Him in all aspects of our lives.
Psalm 16:8
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
When we fix our eyes on the Lord and rely on His presence and guidance, we can have confidence that He will uphold and steady us. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and find stability in Him.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
When we find ourselves in need of wisdom, we are encouraged to turn to God in prayer. He promises to give us wisdom generously, without judgment. We can trust that God will provide the guidance and insights we seek.
Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
This verse highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and guidance. Just as a nation can be strengthened by the advice of many, we can benefit from the input and wisdom of others. It is valuable to surround ourselves with trusted advisers who can offer insight and perspective.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.
Similar to the previous verse, this passage reminds us that involving others in our decision-making process can lead to success. Seeking counsel and considering different perspectives can help us make well-informed choices and prevent potential pitfalls.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and openness to receiving advice. The wise recognize that their own understanding can be limited, whereas fools may be unwilling to consider the advice of others. Being receptive to advice can lead to better decision-making.
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
By being receptive to advice and accepting guidance, we can cultivate wisdom and make choices that align with God’s will. This verse encourages a teachable spirit and highlights the long-term benefits of seeking counsel.
Proverbs 20:18
Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
Whether it is making plans or facing challenges, this verse emphasizes the value of seeking advice and guidance. Through wise counsel, we can set a solid foundation for our plans and increase our chances of success.
Proverbs 24:6
Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.
When facing difficult circumstances or making important decisions, this verse highlights the necessity of seeking guidance. By involving many advisers and considering different perspectives, we can increase our chances of achieving victory.
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
This verse reminds us of the value of diligent planning. By carefully considering our actions and seeking God’s guidance, we can make wise choices that lead to prosperity. Hasty decisions, on the other hand, can bring about negative consequences.
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our lives. This verse advises us to choose our companions wisely, seeking the company of those who exhibit wisdom. By doing so, we can grow in wisdom ourselves and avoid potential harm.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
This verse emphasizes the value of building relationships with others who can sharpen and challenge us. Just as iron is sharpened through contact with another piece of iron, we can grow and develop through meaningful connections with others.
Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
A discerning heart actively seeks knowledge and understanding. This verse encourages us to be diligent in our pursuit of wisdom and to listen to the insights of the wise. By doing so, we can continue to grow and acquire valuable knowledge.
Proverbs 1:5
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.
Continual learning and seeking guidance are qualities of the wise. This verse encourages us to remain open to new knowledge and insights, recognizing that wisdom can be gained by listening and seeking guidance from others.
Proverbs 9:9
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
The wise are receptive to instruction and continue to grow in wisdom. This verse encourages us to be teachable, recognizing that even the righteous can gain further insight and learning through instruction.
Proverbs 4:13
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
This verse emphasizes the importance of valuing and cherishing instruction and knowledge. By holding on to wisdom and guarding it well, we can navigate life with greater discernment and understanding.
Proverbs 13:18
Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
Discipline and correction are necessary for growth and success. This verse highlights the consequences of disregarding discipline and the benefits of being receptive to correction. By humbly accepting correction, we can avoid poverty and shame and instead be honored.
Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
A wise person is open to receiving guidance and following commands, recognizing the value of obedience. In contrast, someone who is foolish and disregards wisdom is prone to ruin. This verse reminds us of the importance of humility and obedience in our journey towards wisdom.