Humility is a virtue that is emphasized throughout the Bible. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on humility:
Humility is pleasing to God
The Bible makes it clear that God values and honors humility. For example:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5)
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Humility is associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord, which Scripture praises (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33). Pride, on the other hand, is depicted as sinful and displeasing to God (Proverbs 16:5, 1 John 2:16).
Examples of humility
The Bible provides examples of humble servants of God that we can learn from:
– Moses was described as “very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3)
– David wrote psalms acknowledging his dependence on God rather than his own strength (Psalm 131:1-2)
– Jesus epitomized humility, taking on the form of a servant and humbling himself even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8)
How to grow in humility
The Bible not only commends humility – it also instructs us how to become more humble:
– Remember that every good thing we have is a gift from God, not our own doing (1 Corinthians 4:7, James 1:17)
– Esteem others above yourself and look to their interests first (Philippians 2:3-4)
– Serve God and others with the gifts and abilities He has given you (1 Peter 4:10)
– Confess your sins regularly and receive God’s forgiveness and grace (1 John 1:9)
– Pray for God to reveal areas of pride and cultivate humility in your life (Psalm 139:23-24)
The blessings of humility
A life of humility leads to many blessings:
– God’s grace and favor (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6)
– Wisdom and uprightness (Proverbs 11:2)
– Honor and eternal rewards (Luke 14:11, 18:14)
– Unity and peace with others (Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3)
– Joy in God’s presence (Isaiah 57:15)
In summary, the consistent biblical message is that humility is foundational to our walk with God and essential in all our relationships. Though the world promotes self-esteem and pride, Scripture tells us that it is the humble who will be exalted eternally. As James said, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
Old Testament teachings on humility
The Old Testament provides the foundation for the Bible’s teachings on humility:
– Humility before God is the proper response to recognizing Him as the sovereign, almighty Creator (Isaiah 57:15).
– God looks upon the humble with favor, but opposes the proud (Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 3:34).
– Humility is the path to receiving God’s wisdom, grace and blessing (Proverbs 11:2, 22:4).
– God disciplines the proud but shows mercy to the humble (2 Chronicles 7:14).
– Humility is characterized by teachability, willingness to submit, and honesty before God (2 Kings 22:19).
– Examples of Old Testament figures commended for their humility include Moses (Numbers 12:3), David (2 Samuel 6:21-22), Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:26), and Josiah (2 Kings 22:19).
Key Old Testament verses on humility include:
“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” (Psalm 25:9)
“The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
New Testament teachings on humility
The New Testament continues the strong emphasis on humility:
– Pride is depicted as sinful and destructive (Mark 7:22, 1 Timothy 3:6).
– Humility should characterize relationships in the church (Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:3-4).
– Leaders are to exemplify humility like Jesus did (1 Peter 5:3-6).
– We are to humble ourselves before God and others (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6).
– Humility comes from recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for God (Matthew 5:3).
– Jesus exemplified perfect humility in His incarnation and sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-8).
– God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).
Key New Testament verses on humility include:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Humility in the teachings of Jesus
Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of humility in his teaching and ministry:
– He presented humility as a prerequisite to entering the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:4).
– He washed his disciples feet as an example of humble service (John 13:14-15).
– He instructed his followers not to seek places of honor but to take the lowest position (Luke 14:7-11).
– He extolled the humility of those who recognized their spiritual poverty before God (Luke 18:9-14).
– He praised the faith of gentiles like the Canaanite woman as examples of humility (Matthew 15:21-28).
– He taught that the greatest should be like the youngest and the leader like a servant (Luke 22:26).
– He always directed praise and honor to God rather than accepting it for himself (Luke 18:19).
Jesus essentially made humility a defining characteristic of greatness in his kingdom. As he said, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
Cultivating humility
The Bible not only commends humility – it provides practical guidance on how to grow in this virtue:
– Pray for God to reveal pride in your heart and replace it with humility (Psalm 139:23-24).
– Focus your mind on Scripture verses about humility (Colossians 3:16).
– Consider and emulate the humility of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11).
– Confess your sins regularly and receive God’s cleansing and grace (1 John 1:9).
– Serve others in humble, loving ways (Galatians 5:13).
– Be quick to forgive and make peace in humility (Colossians 3:12-13).
– Take the lower position rather than seeking honor (Luke 14:10).
– Accept hardships and trials with humility as God’s discipline (1 Peter 5:6-7).
As we submit our wills to Christ’s lordship, the Holy Spirit develops the humility of Christ in us. This is a lifelong process involving both faith and active obedience on our part.
Humility and leadership
The Bible has much to say about humility and leadership:
– Humble leadership focuses on serving others, not personal glory (Mark 10:45, 1 Peter 5:2-3).
– Humble leaders acknowledge their dependence on God (2 Corinthians 3:5, James 4:10).
– The greatest leaders do not lord authority over others (Matthew 20:25-28).
– Humility enables leaders to listen, be teachable, and not claim infallibility (1 Peter 5:5-6).
– Humble leaders are concerned with building up others (Romans 12:3, Ephesians 4:2).
– Pride and arrogance disqualify people from leadership (Proverbs 16:18, 1 Timothy 3:6).
– God gives grace and influence to the humble (Proverbs 22:4, James 4:6).
Biblical examples of humble leadership include Moses (Numbers 12:3), Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11), and the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 10:1). Jesus Himself perfectly modeled servant leadership for us during His ministry on earth (Philippians 2:5-11).
Humility and our witness
A humble, Christ-like attitude is crucial to being an effective witness for the gospel message:
– Humility enables us to listen attentively and be non-judgmental (James 1:19).
– Our humility shows unbelievers the transforming power of the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:7).
– It’s easier for people to receive correction humbly than with pride (Proverbs 15:32).
– Humility and gentleness make us approachable representatives of Christ (Ephesians 4:2).
– Admitting we don’t have all the answers can open doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:6).
– Pride and arrogance cause defensiveness; humility diffuses this (1 Peter 3:15-16).
Just as humility made Jesus’ message appealing, it can make people receptive to the gospel when they see it modeled in our lives.
Humility in the church
The New Testament letters highlight why humility is essential in the church:
– Humility enables unity, patience, and bearing with one another (Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12-13).
– It guards against dissension, competition and vainglory in ministry (Philippians 2:3, James 3:13-16).
– It makes us value others and their gifts higher than our own (Romans 12:3, 10).
– Pastors and leaders are to be examples of Christ-like humility (1 Peter 5:3-6).
– Even spiritual gifts are designed to build up others rather than boost our ego (1 Corinthians 12:7, Ephesians 4:1-3).
The world values prestige and climbing the ladder, but Jesus calls us to descend the ladder of humility and view others as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). This christian virtue honors God and enables healthy church life.
Warnings against pride
In strongly emphasizing humility, Scripture also issues grave warnings against pride:
– Pride leads to disgrace and humiliation (Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 29:23).
– God actively opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).
– Pride comes before a spiritual downfall (Proverbs 16:18).
– The proud trust in themselves rather than God (Psalm 10:4, Luke 18:9).
– Pride often precedes quarreling and strife (Proverbs 13:10, 28:25).
– A prideful attitude can result in God’s discipline and resistance (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).
– Pride indicates a heart not fully devoted to God (Hosea 7:10).
The consistent message is that pride leads only to harm. As Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” God calls us to vigilantly guard our hearts against pride.
Benefits of humility
In contrast to the dangers of pride, humility results in many blessings:
– Humility brings God’s grace (1 Peter 5:5), wisdom (Proverbs 11:2), and favor (3 John 1:9).
– It results in riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).
– God hears the prayers of the humble (Psalm 9:12).
– Humility leads to blessings, prosperity and influence (Proverbs 22:4, Matthew 23:12).
– We find rest and walk in God’s way when we humbly submit to Him (Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:29).
– Humility brings joy, unity, and peace in relationships (Colossians 3:12-15).
The humble surrender self-glorification and find fulfillment in lifting Christ up. They reap eternal rewards for their trust in God rather than themselves.
Humility in the face of persecution
Suffering and persecution provide a great test of one’s humility. The Bible encourages believers to maintain humility in trials:
– Humble yourself and cast your cares on God (1 Peter 5:6-7).
– Remain humble and steadfast in the faith when persecuted (James 4:10).
– Bless those who persecute you and repay evil with humility (Romans 12:14, 17-21).
– Walk humbly with God like Jesus when affliced (Micah 6:8).
– Consider it a blessing when persecuted for righteousness (Matthew 5:11-12).
– Avoid pride; your strength is from God alone (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Maintaining humility when persecuted is challenging. But Scripture promises grace to the humble, and their reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12, 1 Peter 5:5-6). Our example is always Christ, who endured the cross in humility (Hebrews 12:2).
Humility and repentance
True repentance requires humility. When we sin against God, humility involves:
– Honestly acknowledging the seriousness of our sin (Psalm 51:3-4).
– Recognizing our utter dependence on God’s mercy and grace (Psalm 51:1-2).
– Willingly submitting to whatever discipline God deems necessary (1 Corinthians 11:32).
– Confessing openly without excuse, blame-shifting, or comparing ourselves to others (Luke 15:21).
– Willingness to make restitution where needed (Luke 19:8).
– Accepting consequences in humility rather than indignation (2 Samuel 24:10).
– Focusing on glorifying God rather than defending our reputation (Joshua 7:19).
A broken and contrite heart demonstrates true humility (Psalm 51:17). This posture allows God’s grace and forgiveness to cleanse and restore us (1 John 1:9).
Balance between humility and self-worth
Though the Bible emphasizes humility, it also affirms human dignity and self-worth as made in God’s image. Balance is found in:
– Humbly acknowledging all good gifts come from God (1 Corinthians 4:7).
– Finding our primary identity and worth in Christ (Galatians 2:20).
– Stewarding our gifts and abilities responsibly for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10).
– Holding our sinfulness and need for grace in tension with being God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
– Esteeming Christ above all while also loving ourselves sacrificially (Mark 12:30-31).
– Recognizing God’s surpassing worth yet valuing all humans as His treasured creation (Psalm 8:4-5).
– Following Jesus’ example of boldly declaring truth yet in deep humility (John 18:37).
True humility frees us to embrace a biblical view of self-worth, recognizing our value in Christ without pride or pretense.
Conclusion
In summary, humility is a central virtue in Scripture, essential to our relationship with God and others. God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. Though the world promotes pride and self-exaltation, Jesus called His followers to childlike humility. This virtue honors God, enables unity, and allows us to put others first in serving them. Scripture provides many warnings against pride as well as practical guidance for growing in humility. As we walk in humility, we can rest confidently in God’s promise that “He lifts up the humble” (James 4:10).