What does the Bible say about humility?
Humility is a humble, modest mindset that prioritizes others and recognizes one's limitations. Image: E. Vitka | Unsplash
What does the Bible say about humility? This profound question has intrigued seekers of spiritual wisdom for centuries. Humility, often regarded as a virtue of immense value, is significant in various religious and philosophical traditions.
In Christianity, humility is seen as a good trait and one of the most important traits of a true follower of Christ.
As Christians' main instruction book, the Bible has much to say about humility. It shows its importance and what it means for believers' lives.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, many passages give advice and knowledge on how to develop humility, showing how it can change people and how important it is to one's relationship with God and others. Exploring these ideas from the Bible can teach us important lessons about how to be humble and use them in our lives today.
What does the Bible say about humility?
Image: Priscilla Du Preez | Unsplash
The Bible tells us that humility is a critical trait God loves and wants us to work on. It means treating ourselves and others with humility and respect, knowing our limits, and understanding that everything good comes from God.
Pride is a proud and self-centered way of acting, and the Bible often compares humility to pride.
It tells us that being proud can get us into trouble and push us away from God. On the other hand, humility makes room in our hearts for God's direction, blessings, and grace.
Jesus showed humility to his followers and instructed them to do the same. He remarked that the most powerful people should act more like servants; success comes from the humble.
The Bible teaches us that true humility is demonstrated when we put the needs of others ahead of our own. It motivates us to be coachable, learn from others, and be honest about our shortcomings.
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
This verse reminds us to submit ourselves humbly before God. When we acknowledge our need for Him and surrender our pride, He will lift us up and honor us in His way and timing.
James 4:10 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
Matthew 23:12 - "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Jesus teaches that those who try to promote themselves and seek attention or praise will ultimately be humbled. But when we choose humility, placing others before ourselves, God will lift us up and bless us.
Matthew 23:12 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
Proverbs 11:2 - "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
This verse reminds us that pride can lead to disgrace and negative consequences. However, those who embrace humility gain wisdom. Humility opens our hearts to learn from God and others, allowing us to make better choices.
Proverbs 11:2 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,"
This verse encourages us to reject selfishness and pride. Instead, we should consider others more important than ourselves, showing them love, respect, and kindness. Humility enables us to prioritize the well-being of others above our interests.
Philippians 2:3 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
This verse emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves under God's authority and trusting in His timing. We can experience His blessings and elevation in due course by submitting to Him and His plans.
1 Peter 5:6 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
These verses remind us that humility is not a weakness but a strength that leads to a closer relationship with God, wisdom, and blessings. Embracing humility involves recognizing our need for God, respecting others, and trusting in His guidance and timing.
Other Bible verses about humility to make you humble
Here are 30 additional Bible verses about humility:
1. Micah 6:8 - "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
2. Proverbs 22:4 - "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."
3. Colossians 3:12 - "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
4. Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
5. James 3:13 - "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."
6. Romans 12:16 - "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."
7. Proverbs 15:33 - "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor."
8. Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
9. Psalm 25:9 - "He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way."
10. Philippians 2:5-8 - "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
11. Proverbs 16:19 - "It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
12. 1 Peter 3:8 - "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
1 Peter 3:8 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
13. Galatians 6:14 - "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
14. Luke 14:11 - "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
15. Isaiah 57:15 - "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
16. Proverbs 18:12 - "Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor."
Proverbs 18:12 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
17. 1 Peter 5:5 - "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
18. James 4:6 - "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
19. Romans 12:3 - "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."
20. 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."
21. Psalm 149:4 - "For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory."
Psalms 149:4 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
22. Proverbs 29:23 - "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
23. Matthew 23:11 - "The greatest among you shall be your servant."
24. 1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."
25. Proverbs 27:2 - "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips."
26. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
27. 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
28. Proverbs 3:34 - "Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor."
29. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
30. Proverbs 16:5 - "The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished."
Proverbs 16:5 (Photo taken from Bible Portal)
These verses highlight the importance of humility, the blessings it brings, and the contrast between humility and pride. They encourage us to embrace humility, rely on God's strength, and treat others with kindness and respect.
