God Helps Those Who Help Others

"God helps those who help themselves."

This man-made propaganda masquerades as a biblical truth.  This half-truth is said to have originated in Ancient Greece.  Unfortunately, it has been widely disseminated by notable people such as Benjamin Franklin and Algernon Sydney.  

The cold-hearted sentiment ties in well with the American ideal of being a person who is a self-starter filled with unlimited drive and ambition.  Our society consistently and resoundingly lauds this type of citizen for pulling himself or herself up by the bootstraps.    

I am curious to know what a verified and reliable source has to say on the subject of whom God will help. 

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. 
                                                                                                                            (Proverbs 12:24  NLT)

So, God does advocate working hard.  The Bible clearly states many benefits will be reaped from such industry.  The Lord nonetheless has more to say on the subject.

But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat.  For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall...
                                                                                                                                   (Isaiah 25:4  NLT)

It would appear He is willing to assist people who have fallen on hard times and are in distress.  The offer of help is not conditional, extended only to people who have proven themselves to be go-getters in the past.  One must take note of how this promise of help to the downtrodden is followed by talk of how the cruel acts of callous people cause great disturbances. 

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
                                                                                                                              (1 Timothy 5:8  KJV)

God speaks strongly against people who do not provide for their family.  But how does He define family?

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named... 
                                                                                                                       (Ephesians 3:14-15  KJV)

All of humankind is family in the eyes of God.  Therefore, this is my thought:

"God is well pleased with those who help everyone else."

(Please feel free to quote me.  We Americans need the encouragement during this day and age.)