Humility

Lowliness of mind that exalts God and serves others

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Overview

Humility occupies a unique place among virtues—it is both the foundation of all other graces and the most elusive to attain. The moment one considers oneself humble, pride has already crept in. Biblical humility involves accurate self-assessment in light of God's greatness and grace: recognizing our dependence, limitations, and unworthiness while trusting completely in God's sufficiency.

Scripture consistently exalts the humble and resists the proud. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6). This pattern pervades both testaments: Pharaoh is humbled while Moses, the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3), leads Israel. Nebuchadnezzar loses his throne until humbled. The proud Pharisee goes home unjustified while the humble tax collector receives mercy (Luke 18:9-14). God's kingdom operates on inverted values—the last shall be first, the servant shall be greatest.

Christ Jesus embodies perfect humility. "Being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7). The infinite became finite, the Creator served creatures, the King washed feet. His humility was not weakness but strength—the voluntary condescension of absolute power for love's sake.

Practical humility manifests in multiple ways: esteeming others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), serving without seeking recognition, receiving correction graciously, acknowledging wrongs readily, and giving God glory for all accomplishments. Humility opens us to learn, frees us from defensiveness, and positions us for God's exaltation. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:10).

Subtopics

God Exalts the Humble

Divine blessing on humility

  • James 4:6 — Giveth grace unto the humble
    But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
  • 1 Peter 5:5-6 — Humble yourselves under God's hand
    Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
  • Matthew 23:12 — Whosoever shall humble himself
    And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
  • Luke 14:11 — He that humbleth himself shall be exalted
    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Christ's Humility

Jesus as our example

  • Philippians 2:5-8 — Mind of Christ, made himself of no reputation
    Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
  • Matthew 11:29 — I am meek and lowly in heart
    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
  • John 13:14-15 — Washed the disciples' feet
    If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
  • Zechariah 9:9 — Lowly, and riding upon an ass
    Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Walking in Humility

Practical humility

  • Philippians 2:3 — Esteem other better than themselves
    Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
  • Romans 12:3 — Not to think more highly
    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
  • Micah 6:8 — Walk humbly with thy God
    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
  • Colossians 3:12 — Put on humbleness of mind
    Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Study Guidance

Topical study benefits from reading verses in their broader context. Click any reference above to view the complete passage and surrounding verses. Consider comparing how different biblical authors address the same theme across various contexts and time periods.

Cross-reference study deepens understanding. Many verses listed here connect to other passages—use the cross-references provided on individual verse pages to trace theological themes throughout Scripture.

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