“Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.”
- April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658
- English
- Military and Political Leader, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland
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Quote
“Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.”
Explanation
This quote combines religious trust with practical readiness, urging people to rely on divine guidance while also preparing for action. The “powder” refers to gunpowder, a vital component in 17th-century warfare, and keeping it dry was a matter of survival. Thus, the phrase means: trust in God’s will, but do not neglect your earthly responsibilities. It’s a call for balanced leadership—spiritual and strategic.
For Cromwell, a deeply religious Puritan and a military commander, this blend of faith and pragmatism defined much of his career. He saw himself as an instrument of divine purpose, but he also knew that success required discipline, preparation, and force. This quote encapsulates the Puritan ethos of the time: God helps those who help themselves. It was not enough to pray for victory—one had to be ready to fight for it.
In the modern world, this principle resonates in fields from politics to business to personal life. Whether facing a crisis or pursuing a goal, it suggests that belief must be matched by effort. One might trust in justice or fate, but must still take practical steps to defend or advance their cause. The quote remains a sharp reminder that faith and action are not opposites—they are partners.
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