Humility
Key Verse
“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.”
– Proverbs 22:4
Basic Biblical Understanding
Is humility a good thing? Yes, yes, and yes! Just as the Bible is filled with warnings about pride, it’s also filled with encouragement about humility. According to Scripture, God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The humble will be exalted (Luke 14:11). Riches, honor, and life are rewarded to those who humbly fear the Lord (Proverbs 22:4). Those who are humble will be granted wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). Humility precedes honor (Proverbs 18:12). And those are just a few of the benefits that come with humility.
Unfortunately, many people will never experience the benefits because the concept of humility has been devalued in our society. Humility is often viewed as a weakness while self-obsession is considered a virtue. “Selfies” have replaced servant-mindedness. We’ve been taught to “look out for number one,” “to stand up for ourselves,” and “to speak our mind.” And while there are times to speak up, stand up, and care for personal needs, it’s impossible to walk in humility while living for self.
Jesus instructed his disciples to deny self (Luke 9:23–24), to give up personal comfort for the needs of others (Matthew 5:40), and to determine “greatness” by servanthood (Luke 22:26). The teachings of Christ require the mindset of humility.
Humility is also used by God to break cycles of sin. Pride says, “I don’t need anyone or anything. I can handle my own problems. I can do it myself.” That mindset keeps people enslaved to sin. Humility is the path to victory. Start at the word “temptation” and follow it to the right.
When tempted believers humble themselves before God, they are met by God’s unfathomable grace. God’s grace enables them to do what they could never accomplish on their own. In the end, those believers get the victory, and God gets the glory. But it starts with humility.
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
– Luke 14:11
“…God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
– James 4:6b
Helpful Questions and Application
Are you afraid of humbling yourself? List any fears that come to mind and submit them to God in prayer. Ask God to give you insight and peace in each area.
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Where is God prompting you to humble yourself and think of others as more important than yourself?
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Philippians 2:3–11; 1 Peter 5:6; Colossians 3:12; Proverbs 11:2; Romans 12:3
WordTruth Article:
“Humility—God’s Path to Edification and Exaltation”
“Servanthood—The Low Road to Our High Calling”
Footnote: The Circle of Humility is a variation of concepts presented by Clyde Cranford.