The Nature of Humility

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” - Matthew 5:3 HCSB

The Bible teaches four basic lessons about humility: what humility is (self-honesty), how and to whom humility is to be expressed (to God and others), the results of humility (spiritual health and ultimate exaltation) and how to develop humility in our personal life (be teachable, be obedient, be a servant).

True biblical humility can be defined as an ultimate form of self-honestly. It is not thinking poorly of oneself.[1] Humility is often defined by contrasting it with human pride.[2]

Some positive examples of humility are: Mary’s humble submission to a very difficult task,[3] the centurion’s humble faith in the Lord’s ability to heal long-distance,[4] John the Baptist’s refusal to accept any consideration that was not his due,[5] or Yeshua’s amazing grace in setting aside His due for our sakes.[6]

Some negative examples of pride are: Lucifer’s hubris in wanting to be, not god-like, but God Himself,[7] Nebuchadnezzar thinking that he was a self-made man,[8] the Pharisee who figured he had spiritually “arrived”,[9] or Herod’s acceptance of people’s worship[10]

It’s noteworthy that of all the traits that Adonai could have used to characterize Moses, the one He apparently appreciated the most was Moses’ humility.[11] Unfortunately, humans don’t necessarily tie humility with religion. This has led to religious crusades, jihads, bigotry and suicide bombers killing the innocent while screaming “God is great” and other forms of terrorism. God requires that we “walk with Him” (religion), that we do so “humbly” and that it leads to just acts and faithful behavior.[12]

Humility is said to produce health while human pride is described as destructive.[13] Trusting in the Lord rather than relying on our own understanding is said to lead to healing for our bodies and strength for our bones. On the other hand, failing to submit to discipline and good teaching will cause us to lament the consumption of our bodies at the end of our lives.

Ironically, humility is the path to ultimate success and glory. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled while those who humble themselves will be exalted by God who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.[14]

This stems from humility being the first step on the path toward teshuvah which is repentance. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[15] Only when we humbly acknowledge our sin do we find forgiveness, grace and guidance - all required ingredients for ultimate success with God.

[1] Romans 12:3
[2] Proverbs 16:19; 29:23
[3] Luke 1:26-56
[4] Luke 7:1-10
[5] John 1:19-28
[6] Philippians 2:3-11
[7] Isaiah 14:12-17
[8] Daniel 4:30-34
[9] Luke 18:9-14
[10] Acts 12:19-23
[11] Numbers 12:3
[12] Micah 6:7-8
[13] Proverbs 3:5-8; 5:11-14; 11:2
[14] Matthew 23:12; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-7
[15] 1 John 1:9