Humility is a virtue that is highly emphasized in the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about humility:
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This verse teaches that we should put others before ourselves and not be prideful or self-seeking. A humble person looks out for the interests and needs of others.
James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
God gives grace to those who are humble, but opposes those who are proud and arrogant. We receive more of God’s favor and blessings when we walk in humility.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Pride leads to downfall and disgrace. But cultivating humility helps us become wise, as we are open to instruction and correction.
1 Peter 5:5-6
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
We are instructed to clothe ourselves with humility towards each other. When we humble ourselves under God’s authority, He will lift us up and exalt us at the right time.
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
An essential part of our walk with God is to do so in humility. Justice, kindness and humility reflect God’s heart.
Matthew 23:12
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
This illustrates the kingdom principle that humility proceeds honor and exaltation. God rewards and lifts up those who humble themselves.
Luke 14:11
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus emphasizes the same concept – self-exaltation leads ultimately to humiliation, whereas humility results in God’s exaltation in due time.
Ephesians 4:2
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…”
In our relationships with one another, humility and gentleness enable us to patiently bear with each other in love.
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”
As God’s dearly loved children, we are called to clothe ourselves with humility, gentleness and patience in how we treat one another.
James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
True wisdom is characterized by meekness and humility. Wise, godly living demonstrates a humble spirit.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
National revival and blessing comes when God’s people collectively humble themselves and seek Him in prayer.
Isaiah 57:15
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Our gracious God dwells close to those with humble, repentant hearts, reviving and refreshing them.
Zephaniah 2:3
“Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.”
Cultivating humility helps protect us in times of God’s judgment and keeps us in the secret place of His presence.
Proverbs 15:33
“The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
Walking in the fear of God through obedience is true wisdom. Humility prepares the way for God’s promotion.
Proverbs 18:12
“Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Again, humility leads to blessing and promotion by God. Pride leads ultimately to ruin.
Proverbs 22:4
“The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”
God blesses and rewards those who walk humbly with Him, bestowing on them true lasting riches.
Proverbs 29:23
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
The path to honor is lowliness and humility. Pride always precedes a fall.
Isaiah 66:2
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
God looks with favor to the one who trembles humbly at His Word and walks in His ways.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude…”
True godly love stands opposed to pride and arrogance. Love walks humbly.
In summary, these verses teach us that humility is precious to God. He gives grace to the humble, but sets Himself against the proud. As we walk in humility, we receive God’s wisdom, favor and promotion. But pride leads ultimately to disgrace and destruction. Cultivating humility protects us and helps make us fruitful in God’s kingdom.