Humility is
a modest and realistic view of oneself.
It involves
recognizing our dependence on God,
acknowledging our weaknesses,
and not thinking more highly of ourselves
than we ought.
It is the opposite of pride and self-exaltation.
¶ Biblical Understanding of Humility
Humility is highly valued in Scripture. God repeatedly warns against pride and exalts humility. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of humility. Though He was God, He humbled Himself by becoming a man and dying on the cross for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8).
Humility is not weakness, self-hatred, or thinking poorly of ourselves. It is seeing ourselves accurately in light of who God is — recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him and that we are completely dependent on His grace.
A humble person is teachable, willing to serve others, quick to admit faults, and slow to seek recognition or praise.
- Dependence on God — Recognizing that we need God for everything.
- Lowliness of Mind — Not elevating ourselves above others.
- Teachability — Being open to correction and instruction.
- Willingness to Serve — Putting others’ interests ahead of our own.
- Honest Self-Assessment — Acknowledging both our strengths and weaknesses without pride or false modesty.
- Philippians 2:3-4 — Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
- James 4:6 — But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- 1 Peter 5:5-6 — Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
- Matthew 11:29 — Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- Micah 6:8 — He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
- Proverbs 22:4 — By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.
Understanding humility has important implications for the Christian life:
- Humility is essential for spiritual growth — God gives grace to the humble.
- It enables us to serve others without seeking recognition.
- It makes us teachable and open to correction and instruction.
- It helps us maintain proper relationships — we esteem others better than ourselves.
- It protects us from pride, which God opposes.
- It leads to true exaltation — God promises to exalt those who humble themselves.
Humility is not something we achieve by trying harder to think less of ourselves. It comes from seeing God clearly and seeing ourselves rightly in light of who He is. As we grow in our knowledge of God, humility naturally increases.